Extreme Makeover Home EditionChildren: A Pure Life – pt 2Proverbs 5:1-14Message #19Intro:– Last week in message #18 which was entitled “Children: Living a Pure Life – pt 1″ we discovered in the Word of God the necessity of godly wisdom for living a pure life.– In his earlier life Dannecker, the sculptor, gained for himself a wonderful reputation for his statues of Ariadne and the Greek goddesses. Approaching his prime he felt he ought to devote all his strength and time to the creation of a masterpiece, so he set about to carve a figure of the Christ. Twice he failed in his purpose, but finally he carved an image of Christ so perfect, so exquisitively beautiful that when people gazed upon it, they could only love and adore. Later Napoleon sent for him. “Come to Paris,” he said, “and make for me a statue of Venus for the Louvre.” But no such offer could tempt the heart of Dannecker. His reply was simple. “Sir, the hands that carved the Christ can never again carve a heathen goddess.”– A group of children were comparing home situations. The banker’s son said proudly, “My father gives me a dollar each week for being good.” The lawyer’s son said he received fifty cents. The widow’s son complained that he only got twenty-five cents. Then the preacher’s son spoke up. “My father’s a minister,” he stated matter-of-factly, “so I’m good for nothing.”– This week in message #19 which is entitled “Children: Living a Pure Life – pt 2″ we are going to notice some characteristics of impurity, that will help us to be better prepared to live a pure life for God. * Impurity is avoidable (1-2)– Wisdom ~ “the capacity to understand and so have skill in living, implying adherence to a set standard” ~ DBL– Understanding ~ “insight, wisdom, i.e., capacity for discerning a right course of action” ~ DBL                    > Listen to godly wisdom, it will help you to:                             1) observe discretion                                       = discretion ~ “the ability to make proper decisions” DBL                             2) reserve knowledge   = “Just one letter of the alphabet makes all the difference between us now,” said a recently-converted young woman to an unsaved friend, who could not understand the great change that had come over her. “You love the world,” she said, “and I love the Word.”= One of the knights of King Arthur’s Round Table was Sir Galahad, called the “Maiden Knight,” because of his pure life. Tennyson reports him as saying, “My strength is as the strength of ten, because my heart is pure.” There is power in purity. When the Holy Spirit comes upon a person to cleanse his heart, he also brings that one power—power to resist temptation, to “stand up and be counted,” to do the right thing every time.* Impurity is attractive (3-6)     – The woman/man will speak very smooth, flattering things (3)     – The appearance is much different than the substance (4-6)               1) She is bitter, not sweet; she is sharp, not smooth (4)> Wormwood ~ “a very unpleasant substance to consume, which may make one sick” ~ DBL               2) Her impure living shortens her life (5)               3) She doesn’t think about there being any bad consequences for how she is living (6)> School had dismissed for the day. A couple of teenage sisters had slipped into their father’s office at the governor’s mansion. It was during the time when bobbed hair was becoming very fashionable for the young ladies. The southern governor did not want his girls to have bobbed hair. On this particular day, they were both pleading with him for permission. One of them came out with that often-used remark, “But father, everybody’s doing it.” The governor asked, “Whose daughters are you?” After hearing them acknowledge him, he said, “Sure. You are the daughters of the Governor. You do not follow the styles. You set the styles.” * Impurity is destructive (7-14)     – Don’t go near her/his house (7-8)     – The results of sinning with her/him will be: (9-14)               1) Your strength and your life will be taken (9)               2) Someone else ends up with your things (10)               3) You will regret what you have done when the consequences come (11-14)                        a) your flesh and body are withered away                         b) you will remember that hating instruction and correction brought you here                        c) you didn’t listen to wisdom or seek it                        d) you are in this sad state in front of all of God’s people and society Conclusion:– “Hugh Martin in The Parables of the Gospels, tells the story of a rather rough, uncultured man who fell in love with a beautiful vase in a shop window. He bought the vase and put it on the mantelpiece in his room. There it became a kind of judgment on its surroundings. He had to clean up the room to make it worthy of the vase. The curtains looked dingy beside it. The old chair with the stuffing coming out of the seat would not do. The wallpaper and the paint needed renewing. Gradually the whole room was transformed.”  ~ O. R. Powell– In the message this morning we have seen that the Word of God tells us 3 things in Proverbs 2 about impurity:           1) It is avoidable                                                     2) It is attractive          3) It is destructiveWhat are you doing to avoid impurity?  Are you living to bring God glory?  The answer should depend on what your actions are doing to God’s reputation!– Next Sunday morning we are going to look at message #20 which is entitled “Children: A Godly Child”.

Extreme Makeover Home EditionChildren: A Pure Life – pt 1Proverbs 2Message #18Intro:– Last week in message #17 which was entitled “Children: Listen to your Parents” we learned from the Word of God the importance of listening.  You cannot learn or become wise, if you are not willing to listen!– The distinguished pastor of the Brick Presbyterian Church in New York, Dr. Maltbie Babcock was approached by a physician, a member of his congregation, who was concerned about his health. Handing Dr. Babcock some theater tickets he said, “Take these. You need the recreation of going to this play.” His pastor looked at them. Seeing they were tickets to a play of the kind he could not conscientiously attend, he said kindly, “Thank you, but I can’t take them. I can’t go.” “Why not?” the physician asked. “Doctor, it’s this way. You’re a physician; a surgeon, in fact. When you operate, you scrub your hands meticulously until you are especially clean. You wouldn’t dare operate with dirty hands. I’m a servant of Christ. I deal with precious human souls. I wouldn’t dare to do my service with a dirty life.”– This week in message #18 which is entitled “Children: Living a Pure Life – pt 1″ we are going to discover that in the Word of God we find the necessity of godly wisdom for living a pure life.   * The pursuit of wisdom (1-5)– It is important to search for godly wisdom because it is precious, valuable beyond belief (1-4)– Pursuing wisdom will lead to loving reverence for God (being in awe of Him) and an intimate knowledge of God and His teaching (5) * The provider of wisdom (6-8)– God the source of wisdom, and He has a limitless supply of wisdom, those who seek wisdom and walk in wisdom, God will guard and protect them                   > John Newton’s life rule: “I make it a rule of Christian duty never to go to a place where there is not room for my Master as well as myself.” * The protection of wisdom (9-19)– Wisdom will give you discernment and it will be pleasant to your soul, it will also rescue you from two things                            1) The way of evil men (12-15)                                      = speaking perverse things (12)                                      = walking in the ways of darkness (13)                                      = devious ways (15)                            2) The strange woman/adulteress (16-19)                                      = flatters with her words (16)                                      = forgets her husband and God (17)                                      = choosing her will lead to destruction (18-19)> Someone has said: “It is not enough for a gardener to love flowers; he must also hate weeds.”> “The greatest security against sin is to be shocked at its presence.”                    ~ Carlyle * The pronouncement of wisdom (20-22)         – Wisdom will help you to be good and righteous (20)         – Godly, obedient people will be blessed (21)         – Disobedient people will be punished (22)> There was a Scotsman who had a dress shirt which he wore on special occasions. After he had used it several times, he would question its cleanness and take it to the window for better light. His wife’s words were very wise: “If it’s doubtful, it’s dirty!” ~ V. Raymond Edman Conclusion:– Caesar divorced the unfortunate Pemeia; but he expressed no opinion as to the extent of her criminality. He gave as his reason for separating from her, not that she was guilty, but that Caesar’s wife must be above suspicion.– Would anyone question your devotion to God?  Would anyone question the purity of your life?  The goal is not to be pure for the attention and admiration of people, it is out of love and devotion to Almighty God!– Next Sunday morning we are going to look at message #19 which is entitled “Children: A Pure Life – pt 2″.  

Extreme Makeover Home EditionChildren: Listen to your ParentsProverbs 1:8-10; 23:23-25Message #17 Intro:– In message #16 which was entitled “Parenting – Teaching Sexual Purity” we witnessed that the Word of God teaches us the value of understanding the consequences of sexual impurity.  This wisdom is to help a person avoid the pain and scars that come from sexual sin.– There is a form of deafness known to physicians in which the person affected is able to hear everything except words. In such a case the ear, as an apparatus for mere hearing, may be so perfect that the tick of a watch or the song of a bird is really appreciated. But owing to a local injury deeper than the ear, for it is in the brain itself, all spoken words of his mother tongue are as unintelligible to the sufferer as those of a foreign language. Give him a book and he may read as understandingly as ever, but every word addressed to him through his ear reaches his consciousness only as a sound, not as a word. ~ W. H. Thompson– Sometimes it seems as though all children suffer from this condition at various points in their lives.  Though it seems they may learn this unwise behavior from none other than the adults they observe most frequently!– This morning in message #17 which is entitled “Children: Listen to your Parents” we are going to learn from the Word of God the importance of listening.  You cannot learn or become wise, if you are not willing to listen!           * Listen to your mom and dad as they train you to live for God (8)– father’s instruction ~ “the teaching of a principle or axiom for life” ~ Dictionary of Biblical Languages; “paternal discipline, correction” ~ BDB– do not forsake ~ “reject, abandon, i.e., cause a relationship or association to cease” ~ DBL– mother’s teaching ~ “instruction, i.e., information that is imparted to a student” ~ DBL          > Listen to your parents, keep their teaching close to you (6:20-21)          > Listen to your parents, even as you get older (23:22) * The instruction/training will add beauty and honor to your life (9)          – Wreath ~ it was a symbol of honor, the teaching of the parents when it is obeyed is looked at as an adornment, or symbol of honor, because of its wisdom                    > The training will help you to know how to live a life that pleases God (6:22)         > If you want to be wise don’t fight against your parents’ training, a foolish person ignores correction and continues living the same way * Don’t give in to peer pressure and do wrong things (10)– Sinners ~ those who have stepped outside of God’s boundaries, they are people who in their actions have missed the standard of where God has instructed them to abide         > If there are people who don’t have a relationship with God or who aren’t living for Him, and they try to talk you into something that is wrong, don’t go with them * Seek to be a wise godly person (23:23-25)          – Truth ~ “certain, sure, i.e., that which conforms to reality, and is so certain not           to be false” ~ DBL– Wisdom ~ “the capacity to understand and so have skill in living, implying adherence to a set standard” ~ DBL– Instruction ~ here the word refers to “correction, reproof, rebuke” sometimes physical, most times verbal          – Understanding ~ the word refers to “discernment, insight”, the good sense to respond          properly to God and His instruction                                                                                      > Truth, wisdom, instruction, and understanding (23)                    > If you are a wise, godly person your parents will be very happy (24-25) Conclusion:– This morning in message #17 which was entitled “Children: Listen to your Parents” we learned from the Word of God the importance of listening.  You cannot learn or become wise, if you are not willing to listen!– If you are not yet an adult this morning, how well are you listening to your parents?  If you are an adult and a parent this morning, how valuable is the information that you are training your child with?  Are you giving them anything worthwhile?– Next week we are going to look at message #18 which is entitled “Children: A Pure Life – pt 1″.      

Extreme Makeover Home EditionParenting:  Teaching Sexual PurityMessage #16Prov 6:20-35Intro:– Last week in message #15 of our series we discussed “Teaching God’s Wisdom to your Kids.”  It is extremely important for Christ-followers to be deliberate in passing on God’s wisdom to their children.  Do you realize that if you expect other people to pass God’s wisdom on to your kids, you are a passive observer!  God is not calling us to be passive observers!!!!  We must equip our children.  We must train them to know how to live for God!!!!– Today popular culture says that people must seek to fulfill themselves any way possible without regard to whether it is right or wrong.  So this has led to rampant sexual immorality with a widespread cultural message that it is alright to do as long as you practice “safe sex.”  Most times this entails the person not contracting s.t.d.’s or there being a pregnancy.  This is a thought process based on faulty information.  When it is sexual activity outside of marriage, it is never safe.  – This week in message #16 of our series we are going to discuss “Teaching Sexual Purity.”  We are going to see what the Word of God has to say about the importance of sexual purity, and how to communicate those godly values to our children.   * The value of godly training (20-24)          – Keep God’s training dear to you (20-21)          – God’s training will help you know how to live wisely and godly (22-24)> “The Word of God in the mind and heart is like a guide who leads us on the safe path and protects us from attacks. It’s also like a friend who talks to us and counsels us along the way. We walk in the light because the Word is a lamp. If we listen to God’s voice in His Word, we won’t fall for the enemy’s flattery.” ~ Warren Wiersbe> “Discipline (cf. Prov. 1:2, 7), though painful (cf. Heb. 12:11a), helps keep a person on the right path, leading him in the way of life.” ~ BKC (23)> “To keep you” – the Hebrew word has the idea of being “protected” or “guarded” in this case from the “adulteress” which is a woman who engages in sexual sin          * The consequences of sexual sin (25-29)          – The more you lust and fantasize, you will become obsessed and trapped by sin (25)> “Don’t lustfully fantasize on her beauty, nor be taken in by her bedroom eyes.” ~ The Message                    > 2 Sam 11:2-5; Jas 1:14-15> Jesus talked about this kind of issue – Matt 5:28     – The person will lose everything (26)> “You can compare having an affair with going to see a prostitute—rather an insult to someone with a romantic view of their affair (26). It may be that the woman is being called a whore (though she is not literally that) or it may be that she is being unfavorably compared with a whore (!), since she costs much more; everything, in fact.” ~ DA Carson     – A person can’t play with fire and not be burned (27-28)     – A person can’t sin sexually and not face consequences (29)> “It’s the same when you have sex with your neighbor’s wife: Touch her and you’ll pay for it. No excuses.” ~ The Message> Heb 13:4> “Adultery, according to Hebrew law, is intercourse with or by a married or engaged woman and violates commandment #6 (Ex. 20:14). The Law commanded Israel to put adulterers and adulteresses to death (Lev. 20:10), although this severe penalty was seldom executed (not necessarily because of their grace, but because of disobedience to the death penalty command.  Prostitution, mentioned in Prov. 6:26, is any intercourse between a man and woman which does not violate the marriage vow. It too is forbidden (Lev. 19:29), but only religious prostitutes, who engaged in sex as part of pagan religious ceremonies, were to be put to death.” ~ Lawrence Richards   > The N.T. also condemns sexual immorality and calls for discipline by the church of those who practice it.  However, Jesus’ compassionate response to the adulterous woman makes it clear that God’s way of dealing with sexual sins, as with other sins, is the way of forgiveness—followed by repudiation of the sinful way of life. The N.T. also makes it clear that sexual immorality is characteristic of a godless lifestyle and that those who practice it will be judged.” ~ Lawrence Richards * The consequences of stealing (30-31)– People tend to be more understanding when a hungry person steals food, but once he is caught he will repay his full debt for the crime– In the next few verses we are going to see why the example is given about stealing food, because the implication is that the person committing sexual sin is stealing from his/her spouse – not good! * There will be a high price to pay (32-35)– “But the man who commits adultery is an utter fool, for he destroys his own soul. Wounds and constant disgrace are his lot. His shame will never be erased. For the woman’s husband will be furious in his jealousy, and he will have no mercy in his day of vengeance. There is no compensation or bribe that will satisfy him” ~ NLT         – Only a foolish person would commit this sexual sin, it will destroy him/her (32)– This sexual sin will bring wounds (physical and emotional) and disgrace, though forgiven by God when there is repentance, the wrong was still done (33)– The person sinned against will carry out vengeance, and no matter how much money you offer, it won’t stop him/her from avenging himself/herself (34-35)> Prov 27:4> Song 8:6 Conclusion:– In this passage we have witnessed that the Word of God teaches us the value of understanding the consequences of sexual impurity.  This wisdom is to help a person avoid the pain and scars that come from sexual sin.– Next Sunday morning we are going to look at message #17 which is under the children’s section, entitled “Listen to your Parents.”

Extreme Makeover Home EditionParenting – Teaching God’s Wisdom to your KidsProv 31:1-9; Deut 6:20-25Message # 15Intro:– Last week we looked at message #14 in our series Extreme Makeover Home Edition, which was entitled, “For Your Kid’s Sake, Discipline Them!”  The Word of God has given us wisdom when it comes to disciplining/training our kids.  Here again are the Four Reasons for Disciplining your Kids: (1) the importance of discipline; (2) the hope of discipline; (3) the wisdom of discipline; (4) the reward of discipline.  Those are the Four Reasons for Disciplining your Kids from Proverbs 23:13-25.– This morning we are going to look at message #15 in our series Extreme Makeover Home Edition, which is entitled, “Teaching God’s Wisdom to your Kids.”  We are going to look at 2 different example of teaching God’s wisdom to children.  In the first example we are going to look at a general situation where a parent who is a Christ-follower would pass on God’s wisdom to their kids.  In the second example we are going to look at a more specific situation of a parent who is a Christ-follower passing on God’s wisdom to their kids so that they can be leaders for God.– There is a children’s author that I just learned about recently, his name is Philip Pullman, and he writes children’s books.  The latest series is a trilogy, entitled “His Dark Materials.”  To give you a condensed warning (if you have more questions, ask me later), the story follows two young children who are trying to save the world (sounds innocent enough), do you want to know who the “enemies” are?  God and Christians!  The book says that God and Christians are evil.  The book is written for children 11 years old and up.  The author says that he is glad to be known as an enemy of the evil that comes from God and Christians.  Have I gotten your attention yet?  They are releasing a movie based on the books next year, and there is a video game that is planned.  – It is crucial to have some kind of deliberate plan to pass God’s wisdom on to your kids.  Do you realize that people in this world when they are wanting to affect the thinking of children (and therefore affect their lives) they deliberately get their attention through commercial advertising, through children’s books, movies, cartoons, etc…  If the world is deliberate (which they seem to be pretty effective), we must recognize that, and stop being lazy!  If laziness is not the reason, maybe we just don’t know how to pass God’s wisdom on to our kids, then make sure you listen this morning!   [> Deuteronomy 6:20-25 <]   An example of Parental Instruction for all those raising kids for God* Verse 20 – God tells the Israelites that their kids will/might ask, “Why do ‘we’ have to obey God, and what are all these instructions/rules about?  –>  the Question  <–           > This is a home where the Word of God is discussed openly.  Questions are asked and answers are provided when possible.          > All kids wonder and most kids ask the question, “Why?”  It might be good for us to have an answer.  So we are going to run a parallel discussion this morning with this one that we find in the Scriptures.            ~ Dad and mom, why did God give us commands?  Why are they important? * Verse 21 – the Israelites were supposed to answer and share their “testimony” with their kids.  –>  the Answer  –>  The Israelites were slaves in Egypt and God rescued them.           > It is interesting how God instructed them to answer the question of the children.  He tells the parents to share how they came to have a relationship with God.          > The parent tells the child about how God initiated a relationship with them by rescuing them from the slavery that they were in to people who were not good to them.          ~ Well kids, we used to be slaves to sin and we served Satan, though we didn’t know it at the time.   We didn’t have any hope to get out of it either.  But then God rescued us from it all Himself! * Verse 22 – God also showed them signs and wonders against Egypt, and against Pharaoh and his family           > God used His unbelievable power to do miracles that freed us from the power of Egypt and Pharaoh.           ~ God sent His Son Jesus to earth since He is sinless and He died for us because since we had sin that was what the penalty was.  But, He rose three days later and that is how we know what He said was true and that is how we know what He did worked!  This was God’s unbelievable power at work to free us from the power of sin and Satan. * Verse 23 – God took them out to bring them in to the Promised Land, which He had promised to their ancestors          > God’s purpose for bringing them out of slavery to Egypt and Pharaoh was to bring them into the place of freedom (the Promised Land) that He had promised to their ancestors, years ago.          ~ God’s purpose for bringing us out of slavery to sin and Satan was to bring us into a relationship with Him (salvation through faith in Jesus Christ’s cross-work) which the Bible says He promised – in essence the fulfillment of the promise to Abraham to bless the world through Abraham’s seed, which I would say Christ has certainly done by providing forgiveness for sins and a place in heaven! * Verse 24 – God commanded the Israelites to obey His instructions, and to fear/respect Him – all of this was for their good always and for their survival as the people of God          > God gave His people instructions that were based on who He is.  He gave them these instructions so that they would fear/respect Him.  Their obedience to these instructions was for their own good and for their survival.          ~ God has given us His instruction in the Bible so that we would know how to live in a relationship with Him.  These are for our own good and for our spiritual survival. * Verse 25 – If the Israelites obey God, just as He commanded them, it will be righteousness for them – it will be good for them, they will be rewarded          > If we obey God it will be good for us, not that it will ensure our relationship with God, but it will keep distractions and hindrances out of the way.  God will bless us for our obedience out of love for Him.          ~ When we obey God with His help it will be good for us.  God will be pleased that we are living with Him in a proper relationship and because we love Him.  God will bless us for our obedience out of love for Him.  [> Proverbs 31:1-9 <]    An example of Parental Instruction for those who want to raise leaders for God* Verse 1 – King Lemuel’s mom taught him important things, God’s wisdom          > All of the statements made in verse 2 are to inform the son that he is very important and special to her * Verse 3 – His mom taught him not to become involved in polygamy or promiscuity          > Lemuel’s mother warns him that this immoral sexual behavior would be disastrous for him as a leader for God.  This wrong behavior would have a damaging effect on his body and his mind.  It is important for a leader to be able to think clearly to make wise godly decisions, and also for a leader to have a good reputation.          > The dangers of immoral sexual behavior would be that it would cloud his judgment and this would lead to him neglecting his responsibilities for God.            > He as a leader for God is supposed to be on top of his game, even if no one else is. * Verses 4-5 – His mom warned him that alcohol blurs your judgment, and therefore not good for leaders to be involved with at all          > She warns Lemuel of the dangers of alcoholism.  The most immediate danger for him as a king would be that the alcohol would cloud his memory and judgment which would lead to injustice for the afflicted/oppressed.          > She specifically says here that drunkenness will lead him to forget what God has said is           right and what is wrong, and this will lead to more injustice.    * Verses 6-7 – His mom says that alcohol was more fitting for someone dying (pain medication), or for someone experiencing tragedy          > “Beer” (or “strong drink”) and wine in the culture was acceptable as an anesthetic/drug to           deaden physical pain or deep emotional bitterness (and the pain of those dying)> Though the main point in these verses is that though others used alcohol as an escape from their present circumstances, he as a king, as a leader for God, was not to do so * Verse 8 – This is the second mention of “justice” in such a short interaction is a clear sign of the importance of this issue (the 1^st mention is in verse 5).  His mom says that he as a leader is not to stand by and ignore injustice; she told him to open his mouth for the mute – because they can’t – she told him to open his mouth for the unfortunate – because most times they didn’t have the power or the influence to be heard or gain justice for themselves          > In these cases as the king, he was God’s representative and was supposed to do things in a way that God would want, this includes helping those who are in need, who can’t help themselves> “A king who defended those who could not defend themselves and who were of little threat and made little contribution to him would be noted as a just and gracious man.”  BKC> The king was supposed to judge/make decisions fairly, regardless of a person’s social status          ~ “Destitute/Afflicted” – literally – those who are passing away, those who are on their last legs   BKC * Verse 9 – His mom also told him to open his mouth and make sure that justice was served righteously, and she told him to defend the rights of the afflicted and needy – because they were being taken advantage of or at the very least being ignored by those around them – this was shameful> These statements made in verses 8-9 are clear indications of the responsibility of kings to help/defend those who don’t have a voice to speak up for themselves or the ability to defend themselves          ~ “Afflicted and Needy” – these are people who are easily oppressed or taken advantage of by others – the king was supposed to defend these people Conclusion:– It is extremely important for Christ-followers to be deliberate in passing on God’s wisdom to their children.  Do you realize that if you expect other people to pass God’s wisdom on to your kids, you are a passive observer!  God is not calling us to be passive observers!!!!  We must equip our children, we must train them to know how to live for God!!!!– Next Sunday morning we are going to take a look at message #16 in our series Extreme Makeover Home Edition which is entitled, “Teaching Sexual Purity.”– Tonight we are going to be diving into “God’s Wisdom for Life” in our study of the Wisdom Books.

Extreme Makeover Home EditionParenting – For Your Kids’ Sake, Discipline Them!Message #14Proverbs 23:13-25Intro:– Last Sunday morning we looked at the conclusion of the message “The Necessity of Living for God.”  That was message #13 in our series Extreme Makeover Home Edition.  In the total message we talked about Five Areas of Importance for Parents  Living for God’.  They were:  (1) Teach your kids to date and marry Christ-followers; (2) Have things around that will encourage their relationship with God; (3) Teach your kids that they  are a holy people, God’s special possession; (4) Teach your kids through your life that God is God; (5) Teach your kids through your life that they should obey God.  Those are the Five Areas of Importance for Parents Living for God.  – There are many times today that you see parents that are ready to give up when it comes to disciplining their kids.  Some of them are afraid to do it because someone might turn them in.  Some are afraid to do it because then their kids might not like them.  Some do not think it is necessary to discipline their kids.  This last group of people believe that their kids are just “mini-adults” and they will just negotiate with them in light of them being “mini-adults.”  This is scary.  When you think of the word discipline, I want you to think training.  When you discipline your children God’s way, you are training them for life, to live their lives for God.– Let me ask you all a question, are children born having all of the necessary knowledge and skills that they will need for the rest of their lives?  The answer would be, no!  They need training.  They need to be trained with God’s wisdom.  So that is what we are going to talk about this morning.– This week we are going to look at Four Reasons for Discplining your Kids.  God’s Word teaches us that it is absolutely necessary for us to discipline our kids for their own good to train them to live for God. I) The importance of discipline (13-14)                         – Your kids won’t die from it                   * He who withholds his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him                                         diligently.” Prov 13:24– Your kids will be helped to stay away from the actions that will take them to the grave                                                  * Discipline your son while there is hope, And do not desire his death.” Prov 19:18 II) The hope of discipline (15-16)– Wise kids make for glad parents * Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; The rod of discipline will remove it far from him.”  Prov 22:15                         – Righteous kids make for joyous parents* The rod and reproof give wisdom, But a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother. When the wicked increase, transgression increases; But the righteous will see their fall. Correct your son, and he will give you comfort; He will also delight your soul.”                                       Prov 29:15-17 III) The wisdom of discipline (17-23)                   – Fear God, don’t envy people who don’t live for God (17-19)                                                  * There is a future for those who obey God (18)                                                  * Be wise, follow God (19)                   – Control yourself (20-21)                                                  * Don’t be a heavy drinker (20-21)                                                  * Don’t be a glutton/over-eater (20-21)                                                  * Don’t be lazy (21)                   – Seek God’s wisdom and obey it (22-23)                                                  * Parents should give their kids God’s wisdom (22)                                                  * Children should seek God’s wisdom (23) IV) The reward of discipline (24-25)                   – Righteous kids (24)                                                  * Rejoicing, glad parents > It is by his deeds that a lad distinguishes himself If his conduct is pure and right.”  Prov 20:11                   – Bring your parents gladness and joy (25)                                                  * Be wise, my son, and make my heart glad, That I may reply to him who reproaches me.”                                 Prov 27:11* The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son makes a father glad, But a foolish son is a grief to his mother.”  Prov 10:1* It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline? But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of spirits, and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness.”   Heb 12:7-10 Conclusion:– The Word of God has given us wisdom when it comes to disciplining/training our kids.  Here again are the Four Reasons for Disciplining your Kids: (1) the importance of discipline; (2) the hope of discipline; (3) the wisdom of discipline; (4) the reward of discipline.  Those are the Four Reasons for Disciplining your Kids from Proverbs 23:13-25.– So how is it that you can begin to implement these things into the training of your children:  with a lot of prayer, with a lot of studying God’s Word, and with consistency.  Consistency is the key, otherwise you confuse and frustrate your children. – Next week we are going to look at message #15 in our series Extreme Makeover Home Edition, Teaching God’s Wisdom to your Kids. 

Extreme Makoever Home EditionParenting – The necessity of living for GodDeuteronomy 7:1-11Intro:– Last Sunday night we concluded message #12 in our parenting section of our series Extreme Makeover Home Edition, which was entitled “God’s Job Description for Parents.”  We saw 8 Expectations that God has for parents.– Here are some statements made about the raising of children:          * “A child of five, if properly instructed, can as truly believe and be regenerated as an adult. ~ Spurgeon* “Griffith John, the celebrated missionary to China, was admitted to church membership at the exceedingly early age of eight. His testimony is, “Had I not taken that step then, I doubt whether I should ever have been a missionary, if a member of a Christian church at all.”            * “It is easier and better to build boys than to repair men.”* “Benjamin S. Bloom, professor of education at the University of Chicago, made this startling statement: “By the age of four, a child has formed half the intelligence he will have at maturity.”– Parenting is without a doubt one of the most important responsibilities that exists on the face of this earth.  It is incredibly hard, but it is equally as crucial.  If you are a Christ-follower you have a God-given responsibility to raise your children to be Christ-followers as well.– This evening we are going to focus on the necessity of parents living for God to be able to even have a chance to effectively raise their children to be Christ-followers.  We are going to highlight five different areas of importance under the necessity of living for God in parenting. 1) Teach your kids to date and marry believers (3-4) >  1^st Area of Importance <          ~ Dating or marrying unbelievers will draw you away from God* When Christ-followers become romantically and emotionally involved with someone who is not a Christ-follower there are two different sets of values that clash (at least hopefully there are two different values-sets that are clashing!)* When a Christ-follower dates a non-believer he/she has already compromised his/her stand for God, this will only lead to more spiritual compromises the longer the relationship continues!          ~ Here is what the Word of God says elsewhere on this issue:* Ex 34:15-16 – “otherwise you might make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land and they would play the harlot with their gods and sacrifice to their gods, and someone might invite you to eat of his sacrifice, and you might take some of his daughters for your sons, and his daughters might play the harlot with their gods and cause your sons also to play the harlot with their gods.”* Josh 23:12-13 – “For if you ever go back and cling to the rest of these nations, these which remain among you, and intermarry with them, so that you associate with them and they with you, know with certainty that the LORD your God will not continue to drive these nations out from before you; but they will be a snare and a trap to you, and a whip on your sides and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from off this good land which the LORD your God has given you.”* Jdg 3:6-7 – “and they took their daughters for themselves as wives, and gave their own daughters to their sons, and served their gods. The sons of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the LORD, and forgot the LORD their God and served the Baals and the Asheroth.”* 1 Kg 11:2 – “from the nations concerning which the LORD had said to the sons of Israel, “You shall not associate with them, nor shall they associate with you, for they will surely turn your heart away after their gods.” Solomon held fast to these in love.* Ezra 9:1-2 – Now when these things had been completed, the princes approached me, saying, “The people of Israel and the priests and the Levites have not separated themselves from the peoples of the lands, according to their abominations, those of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Jebusites, the Ammonites, the Moabites, the Egyptians and the Amorites. “For they have taken some of their daughters as wives for themselves and for their sons, so that the holy race has intermingled with the peoples of the lands; indeed, the hands of the princes and the rulers have been foremost in this unfaithfulness.”* Neh 13:23-27 – In those days I also saw that the Jews had married women from Ashdod, Ammon and Moab. As for their children, half spoke in the language of Ashdod, and none of them was able to speak the language of Judah, but the language of his own people. So I contended with them and cursed them and struck some of them and pulled out their hair, and made them swear by God, “You shall not give your daughters to their sons, nor take of their daughters for your sons or for yourselves. “Did not Solomon king of Israel sin regarding these things? Yet among the many nations there was no king like him, and he was loved by his God, and God made him king over all Israel; nevertheless the foreign women caused even him to sin. “Do we then hear about you that you have committed all this great evil by acting unfaithfully against our God by marrying foreign women?”* 2 Cor 6:14-17 – Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever? Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, “I WILL DWELL IN THEM AND WALK AMONG THEM; AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE. “Therefore, COME OUT FROM THEIR MIDST AND BE SEPARATE,” says the Lord. “AND DO NOT TOUCH WHAT IS UNCLEAN; And I will welcome you.” 2) Have things around the house that will encourage their relationship with God (5) > 2^nd Area of Importance <~ In this passage in Deuteronomy we read about how God instructed the Israelites to get rid of the idols that were going to be where they would live.  These idols were of false gods and would be a constant temptation to worship the false gods, instead of the one true God.  Also, there was lots of immoral sexual behavior involved in the worship of these false gods.  Therefore, God said to get rid of all of them!  This was to protect their purity and their relationship with God  ~ There are definitely things in this life that absolutely do not encourage our relationship with God or our kids relationship with God.  There are movies, television shows, books, magazines, cd’s, etc… that cause our kids to be tempted to compromise spiritually.  Some of these things that we have around tempt them to sin sexually, covet other people’s things, and even doubt the truthfulness of God’s Word revealed to us.               ~ Here is what other areas in God’s Word say about this area: * Deut 32:16-17 –  “They made Him jealous with strange gods; With abominations they provoked Him to anger. “They sacrificed to demons who were not God, To gods whom they have not known, New gods who came lately, Whom your fathers did not dread.”* Ex 20:5 –  “You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and the fourth generations of those who hate Me,”* Jdg 2:11,20 – Then the sons of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD and served the Baals, So the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He said, “Because this nation has transgressed My covenant which I commanded their fathers and has not listened to My voice,”* Jdg 3:7-8 – The sons of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the LORD, and forgot the LORD their God and served the Baals and the Asheroth. Then the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, so that He sold them into the hands of Cushan-rishathaim king of Mesopotamia; and the sons of Israel served Cushan-rishathaim eight years.”* Jdg 10:6-7 – Then the sons of Israel again did evil in the sight of the LORD, served the Baals and the Ashtaroth, the gods of Aram, the gods of Sidon, the gods of Moab, the gods of the sons of Ammon, and the gods of the Philistines; thus they forsook the LORD and did not serve Him. The anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He sold them into the hands of the Philistines and into the hands of the sons of Ammon.” 3) Teach your kids that they  are a holy people, God’s special possession (6-8) > 3^rd Area of Importance <~ In this passage God reminds the people of Israel that He separated them out for Himself (they are holy to the Lord), and they are His own possession (peculiar people, special treasure).  He has loved them and rescued them from slavery in Egypt, giving them freedom.  ~ If you are a Christ-follower it is important to realize that the Bible says you are now a part of the family of God, you are God’s own possession (a peculiar people, special treasure).  He has loved you and rescued you from slavery to sin, and from the punishment of hell.  It is important for the Christ-follower to recognize these facts because it will help him/her to remember how special they are to God.               ~ Here is some other Scripture related to this area:* Ex 19:5-6 – `Now then, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be My own possession among all the peoples, for all the earth is Mine; and you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you shall speak to the sons of Israel.”* 1 Cor 6:19-20 – “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.”* Titus 2:14 – “who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.”* 1 Pet 2:9-10 – “But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God’s OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; for you once were NOT A PEOPLE, but now you are THE PEOPLE OF GOD; you had NOT RECEIVED MERCY, but now you have RECEIVED MERCY.” 4) Teach your kids through your life that God is God (9-10) > 4<sup>th</sup> Area of Importance <~ Faithful  – the Bible teaches us that God is faithful, not just because He says so, but He has proved it through His actions.  He is reliable, and dependable.  As a Christ-follower you can most certainly trust God.* Ex 34:6-7 – “Then the LORD passed by in front of him and proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth; who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin; yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting the iniquity of fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations.”* 1 Cor 1:9 – “God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”* 2 Thess 3:3 – “But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.” * Heb 10:23 – “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful;”~ Lovingkindness/faithful love – this is the word in the O.T. that describes God’s “unfailing” or “faithful” love.  The enormity of this kind of love continues to grow as we see God act throughout the Word of God and in our lives.  It is difficult to describe how amazing God’s love is for His people. * Neh 1:5 – “I said, “I beseech You, O LORD God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who preserves the covenant and lovingkindness for those who love Him and keep His commandments,”* Dan 9:4 – “I prayed to the LORD my God and confessed and said, “Alas, O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant and lovingkindness for those who love Him and keep His commandments,”* Rom 8:28 – “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”~ Just – another aspect of who God is, is His justness.  Though God is merciful and loving, He is also holy and He deals with wrongdoing.  This is important for us to recognize that God does care how we live.  * Deut 32:35,41 – `Vengeance is Mine, and retribution, In due time their foot will slip; For the day of their calamity is near, And the impending things are hastening upon them.’  If I sharpen My flashing sword, And My hand takes hold on justice, I will render vengeance on My adversaries, And I will repay those who hate Me.”* Ps 21:8-9 – “Your hand will find out all your enemies; Your right hand will find out those who hate you. You will make them as a fiery oven in the time of your anger; The LORD will swallow them up in His wrath, And fire will devour them.”* Rom 12:19 – “Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,” says the Lord.” 5) Teach your kids through your life that they should obey God (11) > 5^th Area of Importance <~ In this passage God lets the Israelites know that because of all of the things that He has just mentioned, He wants them to obey Him.  Part of this motivation should come from how good God has been to them, who He is, and out of common sense.                   * Prov 20:11 – “It is by his deeds that a lad distinguishes himself If his conduct is pure         and right.”                                   > being the best you can be for God makes you special* Ps 119:9 – “How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word.”                                  > the secret to being the best you can be for God – obey His Word               ~ Here is what we learn elsewhere in the Word of God                              * Jn 14:15 – “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.”* 1 Jn 5:3 – “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome.” Conclusion:– In the Word of God we find that God clearly instructs us that the role of parents in raising their children to be Christ-followers is essential.  To be able to effectively raise our children to be Christ-followers we must be living for God ourselves; teaching them through our words and our actions.– It is our responsibility as Christ-followers to be living for God and raising our children to be Christ-followers.  Let’s pray for each other in that process, because we absolutely, positively need God’s help to do this.– Next Sunday morning we are going to move on to message # 14 in the parenting section of our series Extreme Makeover Home Edition.  The title of message #14 is – For the sake of your children, discipline them! – pt 1. 

Extreme Makeover Home EditionMarriage:  True Love in a Marriage1 Corinthians 13:4-7Message #11Intro: – This morning in looking at God’s Word for wisdom to help us to avoid the damaging effects of adultery we looked at the final 4 tools that can help us to avoid becoming involved in this dangerous and damaging sin.  Those final 4 tools were:          6) No romantic involvement with another person          7) God sees and knows what goes on          8) Sin is a trap          9) Sexual sin brings serious consequences– Tonight we are going to look at True Love in a Marriage.  This is something that many take for granted that is won’t happen or can’t happen in a marriage.  Most people think that there is this point in your marriage when it is expected to lack love.– We are going to see from the Word of God that True Love in a Marriage is important and attainable with the help of God.  When we confess our sins to God and our spouse we are able to seek the help of the Holy Spirit to be able to truly love each other in our marriages.– Let’s take a look at those 15 Characteristics of True Love that are necessary to have Love in a Marriage:   15 Characteristics of True Love1) Patient (4)– Biblical patience is a God-given, restraint in face of opposition or oppression.  It is not passivity.  The initiative lies with God’s love, or the Christian’s, in meeting wrong in this way.  Christians are to show this kind of character.  In Proverbs the value of patience is stressed; it avoids strife, and promotes the wise response to provocation.– makroqumei – pres,act,ind – to be longsuffering, to be patient.  It is a holding out of the mind before it gives room to action or passion – generally to passion (Trench, Synonyms).  It is the steadfast spirit which will never give in (NTW, TDNT, EDNT).  The idea of the word is that it takes a long time before fuming and breaking into flames.  Present either emphasizes the continual state of action or is gnomic, indicating that which is always true.– “Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have. Love doesn’t strut, doesn’t have a swelled head,” 1 Cor 13:4 ~ The Message– “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,” Gal 5:22 ~ NASB– “with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love,” Eph 4:2 ~ NASB– “So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;” Col 3:12 ~ NASB                 2) Kind (4)– State of being that includes the attributes of loving affection, sympathy, friendliness, patience, pleasantness, gentleness, and goodness. Kindness is a quality shown in the way a person speaks and acts. It is more volitional than emotional.  Tyndale Bible Dictionary– crhsteuetaiv – pres, act, mid (dep) – to be useful, to be kind and gracious, to show kindness, one who renders gracious, well-disposed service to others (EGT, TDNT, Trench Synonyms, TLNT).  In the second century, the spectacle of Christian love was so stunning for pagans that they called Christians not christiani but chrestinai, “made up of mildness or kindness” (TLNT).  (Rogers & Rogers)– “Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.”  Eph 4:32 ~ NASB– “and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love.”            2 Pet 1:7         – “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”  1 Jn 4:11  3) Not jealous (4)– zhlow – pres, act, ind – to be fervent, to boil with envy, to be jealous (Rogers & Rogers).  – 1 to burn with zeal. (Strongs Lexicon)                    * 1a to be heated or to boil with envy, hatred, anger.                              > 1a1 in a good sense, to be zealous in the pursuit of good.                     * 1b to desire earnestly, pursue.                              > 1b1 to desire one earnestly, to strive after, busy one’s self about him.                     > 1b2 to exert one’s self for one (that he may not be torn from me). > 1b3 to be the object of the zeal of others, to be zealously sought after.                     * 1c to envy. – “Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy.”  Rom 13:13 ~ NASB– “For I am afraid that perhaps when I come I may find you to be not what I wish and may be found by you to be not what you wish; that perhaps there will be strife, jealousy, angry tempers, disputes, slanders, gossip, arrogance, disturbances;”                2 Cor 12:20 ~ NASB– “Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.”           Gal 5:26 ~ NASB 4) Does not brag (4)– perpereutai – pres, mid, ind (dep) – to brag, to boast.  On who talks a lot and acts presumptuously, to be a windbag.  Ostentation/showiness is the chief idea and ostentatious boasting leads easily to the next point – arrogance (RP, TDNT, NW).– 1 to boast one’s self.   (Strongs Lexicion)– 2 a self display, employing rhetorical embellishments in extolling one’s self excessively.  (Strongs Lexicion)– “Through insolence comes nothing but strife, but wisdom is with those who receive counsel.”  Prov 13:10 ~ NASB – “The end of a matter is better than its beginning; Patience of spirit is better than haughtiness of spirit.”  Eccl 7:8 ~ NASB 5) Not arrogant (4)– fusioutai – pres, mid, ind – to puff up, to puff oneself out like a pair of bellows (RWP)– 2 to inflate, blow up, to cause to swell up. (Strongs Lexicon)         * 2a to puff up, make proud.          * 2b to be puffed up, to bear one’s self loftily, be proud– to cause someone to be proud, arrogant, or haughty—‘to make proud, to make arrogant, to make haughty.  (Louw & Nida)– “Now concerning things sacrificed to idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge makes arrogant, but love edifies.”  1 Cor 8:1 ~ NASB– “See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.”  Col 2:18 ~ NASB – “Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively applied to myself and Apollos for your sakes, so that in us you may learn not to exceed what is written, so that no one of you will become arrogant in behalf of one against the other. For who regards you as superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?”  1 Cor 4:6-7 ~ NASB 6) Does not unbecomingly (5)– aschmonei – pres, act, ind – to behave indecently or in a shameful manner.  Love is tactful and does nothing that would raise a blush (RP).– to act in defiance of social and moral standards, with resulting disgrace, embarrassment, and shame—‘to act shamefully, indecent behavior, shameful deed.’ (Louw & Nida)– “It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs”  1 Cor 13:5 ~ NIV– “It’s not rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged.”  1 Cor 13:5 ~ NLT– “Doesn’t force itself on others, isn’t always “me first,”doesn’t fly off the handle, doesn’t keep score of the sins of others,” 1 Cor 13:5 ~ The Message– “And the people will be oppressed, Each one by another, and each one by his neighbor; The youth will storm against the elder And the inferior against the honorable.”  Isa 3:5 ~ NASB– “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.”  Phil 4:8 ~NASB 7) Does not seek its own (5)– zhtei – pres, act, ind – a continual or habitual action – of seeking one’s own desires or priorities– “Let no one seek his own good, but that of his neighbor. just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit but the profit of the many, so that they may be saved.”  1 Cor 10:24,33 ~ NASB– “so that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another.”  1 Cor 12:25– “For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”  Gal 5:13 ~ NASB 8) Not provoked (5)– paroxunetai – pres, pass, ind – to irritate, to promote to anger, passive – to be irritate, to be touchy, to become indignant/offended/put out (CCFJ).  Selfishness generates the irritability (EGT).– 1 to make sharp, sharpen.  (Strongs Lexicon)         * 1a to stimulate, spur on, urge.          * 1b to irritate, provoke, arouse to anger.                   >1b1 to scorn, despise.                   > 1b2 provoke, make angry.                   > 1b3 to exasperate, to burn with anger. – to urge, prick or spur on, stimulate; to anger, provoke, irritate, exasperate  (Liddel & Scott)– The verb means “to spur,” “to stir to anger,” passive “to be provoked, incensed.” The noun is rare and means “provocation” or “irritation. occurs in Acts 17:16, where the meaning is not that Paul is stimulated to preach but that he is honestly angered by the idolatry. Similarly in 1 Cor. 13:5 love does not let itself be provoked-there were many provoking things at Corinth. The noun has the sense of “irritation” in Acts 15:39 when Paul and Barnabas disagree about taking Mark with them. In Heb. 10:24, however, the neutral sense of “stimulating” is the obvious one.  (TDNT)            – “A quick-tempered man acts foolishly, And a man of evil devices is hated.”           Prov 14:17 ~ NASB– “”But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever says to his brother, `You good-for-nothing,’ shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever says, `You fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell.”  Matt 5:22 ~ NASB– “This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.”  Jas 1:19-20 ~ NASB 9) Does not take into account a wrong suffered (5)– logizetai – pres, mid, ind – to credit someone’s account, to put to one’s account for future payment.  Here, “does not register (the evil).”  Love stores up no resentment and bears no malice (RP, TDNT, MM).            – to count, reckon, calculate, compute (Liddel & Scott)– In secular Greek this word is used                     * (a) commercially for “to reckon,” “to charge,”                      * (b) more generally for “to deliberate,” “to conclude”.          – “Hatred stirs up strife, But love covers all transgressions.”  Prov 10:12 ~ NASB– “Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.”  1 Pet 4:8 ~ NASB 10) Does not rejoice in unrighteousness (6)          – cairei – pres, act, ind – to rejoice          – rejoice, be glad, be delighted (Mt 5:12; Php 4:4)             – “ It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.”            1 Cor 13:6 ~ NLT– “Doesn’t revel when others grovel, takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,”           1 Cor 13:6 ~ The Message– “For the wicked boasts of his heart’s desire, And the greedy man curses and spurns the LORD.”  Ps 10:3 ~ NASB         – “A false witness will not go unpunished, And he who tells lies will perish.”           Prov 19:9 ~ NASB– “and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them.”  Rom 1:32 ~ NASB 11) Rejoices with the truth (6)         – sugcarei – pres, act, ind – to rejoice together, to join in rejoicing– to enjoy a state of happiness or well-being together with someone else—‘to enjoy with, to rejoice with.  (Louw & Nida)         – “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good.”           Rom 12:9 ~ NASB – “But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all. You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me.”  Phil 2:17-18– “But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always think kindly of us, longing to see us just as we also long to see you, for this reason, brethren, in all our distress and affliction we were comforted about you through your faith; for now we really live, if you stand firm in the Lord. For what thanks can we render to God for you in return for all the joy with which we rejoice before our God on your
         account, as we night and day keep praying most earnestly that we may see your face, and may complete what is lacking in your faith?”  1 Thess 3:6-10 ~ NASB 12) Bears all things (7)– stegei – pres, act, ind – to cover (as a roof).  The meaning is either to cover in the sense of to protect, as a roof, or to bear up as to support, as a roof (Barrett) or to endure, forbear, to put up with (RP, Fee).– The idea of covering with the cloak of love accords well with it. It might have the sense “to keep silent about all things” (which it might be harmful to others to utter). This differs little from “to cover all things. This is amplifying what is said about faith, hope and endurance by a reference to the covering up of unfavorable things. This shows that this love is rooted in God’s love.  (TDNT)– “Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through everycircumstance.” 1 Cor 13:7 ~ NLT          – “Puts up with anything, trusts God always, always looks for the best, never looks back, but keeps going to the end.” 1 Cor 13:7 ~ The Message    – “Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves.”  Rom 15:1 ~ NASB         – “Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.”  Gal 6:2 ~ NASB 13) Believes all things (7)– pisteuei – pres, act, ind – to believe.  Love trusts that the motives of action are pure.– to believe something to be true and, hence, worthy of being trusted—‘to believe, to think to be true, to regard as trustworthy.  (Louw & Nida)– “Teach me good discernment and knowledge, For I believe in Your commandments.”  Ps 119:66 ~ NASB 14) Hopes all things (7)          – elpizei – pres, act, ind – to hope.  Love hopes that the motives of action are pure.– hope for, an attitude of looking forward to, usually, adj. trusting, confident hope (Louw & Nida)          – to hope for, look for, expect (Liddel & Scott)    – “For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees?”  Rom 8:24 ~ NASB  15) Endures all things (7)– uJpomenei – pres, act, ind – to endure, to bear up patiently (TDNT, Trench Synonyms).  Love has this indefatigable/untiring capacity to endure despite the ingratitude, bad conduct, and problems that all communal/commnal living involves, and this without complaining or becoming discouraged (TLNT).  When the motives prove to be impure, love bears with it with no resentment!– to continue to bear up despite difficulty and suffering—‘to endure, to bear up, to demonstrate endurance, to put up with.’ (Louw & Nida)– “I robbed other churches by taking wages from them to serve you; and when I was present with you and was in need, I was not a burden to anyone; for when the brethren came from Macedonia they fully supplied my need, and in everything I kept myself from being a burden to you, and will continue to do so. As the truth of Christ is in me, this boasting of mine will not be stopped in the regions of Achaia. Why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do! But what I am doing I will continue to do, so that I may cut off opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the matter about which they are boasting.”           2 Cor 11:8-12 ~ NASB– “therefore, we ourselves speak proudly of you among the churches of God for your perseverance and faith in the midst of all your persecutions and afflictions which you endure.”           2 Thess 1:4 ~ NASB– “Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier. Also if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not win the prize unless he competes according to the rules. The hard-working farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops. Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything. Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David, according to my gospel, for which I suffer hardship even to imprisonment as a criminal; but the word of God is not imprisoned. For this reason I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory.”  2 Tim 2:3-10 ~ NASB– “Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”  Jas 1:12 Conclusion:– In this passage this morning we saw 15 Characteristics of True Love in a Marriage.  Here is a quick review of those 15 Characteristics of True Love in a Marriage:         1) Patient         2) Kind         3) Not jealous         4) Does not brag         5) Not arrogant         6) Does not act unbecomingly         7) Does not seek its own         8) Not provoked         9) Does not take into account a wrong suffered         10) Does not rejoice in unrighteousness         11) Rejoices with the truth         12) Bears all things         13) Believes all things         14) Hopes all things         15) Endures all things– These are characteristics that are crucial in a God-honoring marriage.  For us to be able to have marriages that are characterized by this kind of true love, we must have a personal relationship with God through His Son Jesus Christ, and keep Jesus Christ as the head of our marriages and households.