How My Ever Present God Makes Me Secure

Preached at Northwest Christian Church

David P. Kautt

Sunday Morning, September 12, 2010.

Image credit.

1 John 4:12 - 21: “No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us. By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him. Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us. If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.”

We live in a world where many people’s lives are marked by worry and fear – doubt and insecurity and loneliness. How can this be? I mean, the inventions of man – pass codes to protect our valuable identity and information – padlocks to secure our belongings and even the omnipresent cell phone to make certain that we are never stranded – certainly these things are sufficient to calm our fears, aren’t they? Certainly these things are enough to alleviate our doubts and worries, aren’t they?

How is it that, in a world that is full of gadgets and tactics meant to cause us to fee safe and at peace, we don’t and we aren’t? What’s missing? What have we overlooked?

The psalmists – the sons of Korah – I believe, had their fingers on the pulse of this dilemma we face, when they wrote these words – listen closely to them as I read them for you.

Psalm 46:1-11: “God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;

Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High. God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn. The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved; He uttered His voice, the earth melted. The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah Come, behold the works of the Lord, Who has made desolations in the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow an cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariot in the fire. Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah

In a world – our world – where many people – yes, even many Christians are living lives filled with worry and read, insecurity and loneliness – what’s the solution? What’s the cure?

Sometimes my cell phone says, ‘No Service Available Here’. Uh, oh! Sometimes our padlocks and pass codes fail and are defeated. Uh, oh! What then?

“Oh, David, you are making me more afraid! You are making me feel more insecure! Can you offer me any hope – any help?”

I want you to do something with me, if you would, please. I want you to scan back across the passage from First John chapter four that we read a moment ago, and every time you read the words, “God abides in me – in us” and, “I – we abide in Him” – I want you to whisper to yourself, “There’s my solution! There’s the hope and help I need!” Do it with me, will you, please?

Verse 12 – “If we love one another, God – abides – in – us.” ‘There’s my solution! There’s my hope and help!’ Say it with me, will you?

Verse 13 – “By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us – because He has given us of His Spirit.” ‘There’s my solution! There’s my hope and help!’

Verse 15 – “Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.” ‘There’s my solution! There’s my hope and help!’

You’re getting the hang of it now!

One more – verse 16: “And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love, abides in God and God in him.” One more time, ‘There’s my solution! There’s my hope and help!’

Christian, do you see it? My Brothers and Sisters, have you caught on to it yet?

The solution to our fear problem – and our doubt and worry and insecurity dilemma – is right here!

If you are a Christian – I mean, not just one in name only – but truly and really a Christian – then you have the ‘cure’ – the abiding presence of your refuge, your strength, your ever present help in trouble – in your life – the LORD of hosts with you – in you, and you – YOU – in Him!

Going all the way back to chapter 3, verse 24, the apostle John lays out before us a question of extreme importance, and of incredibly practical significance for each one of us. That question is this: ‘How can you and I know that God – the LORD of hosts – really does live – in us?’

1 John 3:24: “Now he who keeps God’s commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know [Look at that again with me, will you?] – And by this we KNOW that He abides in us – by the Spirit whom He has given to us.”

How CAN you and I know that God REALLY DOES live in us? I mean, no one has ever SEEN God, right? 1 John 4, verse12 – He is Spirit – spiritual, not physical. So, no one has ever SEEN Him or touched Him, like you are seeing me, or could reach out your hand and touch me. But does that mean that we have no way of knowing for sure that He is in us, and with us, and that we are in Him?

To me, one of the greatest needs that many, many Christians have in their day-to-day lives – no, not just their ‘Sunday-go-to-meeting’ lives – but their Monday through Saturday lives – is the need for assurance. The need to know – really KNOW – that what God says they have – in Christ – IS – in fact, what they have!

Can I let you in on a little secret? One of the primary purposes the Spirit of God had in mind, when He prompted the apostle John to write what he did in this letter – is that very purpose. 1 John 5:13 – The apostle John wrote to assure us – through these points of EXAMINATION – these ‘self-tests’ that we have looked at for the last several weeks – the Relational test – and the Doctrinal test – and the Behavioral test – through these points of EXAMINATION – the apostle John seeks to provide numerous points of CONFIRMATION – arrow after arrow pointing us in the direction of assurance for our day-to-day, Monday through Saturday lives! 1 John 5:13 – would you read it with me, please?

“These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.”

How can you and I KNOW . . .? Are you looking for some certainty – some security in a world full of that which prompts you to feel uncertain and insecure? How can you and I KNOW – FOR SURE – that God really does live in us?

Allow me to suggest to you a new set of ‘glasses’ to wear beginning today. No one has seen God, right? That’s what the Bible says, isn’t it? But, did you know that if He lives in you – did you know that if you live in Him – He IS seen! He WILL BE seen – IN YOU! He will! You’ve just got to have the right ‘glasses’ on.

1 John 4, verses 14 and 15 – How can you know that God – the LORD of hosts – who says that He is with you – who claims to be your ‘ever present help in trouble’ – how can you know that He really does live – in you?

The apostle John supplies us with three ‘tests’ – three points of self- examination – in order to provide us with three means of confirmation – designed to give us that assurance we all need.

Notice with me what they are: first of all, verses 14 and 15, the apostle John, in effect, says that the unseen God – you can test yourself to determine whether or not He is with you – by looking through the lens of your testimony.

A long time ago, Jesus asked His disciples a question that will forever reverberate with all who know God and are indwelt by the Spirit of God. The question was simply this: “Who do you say that I am?” (see Matthew 16:15). Who is Jesus? In your own words – as you express what you believe and understand about Him – who is He?

Some would say that He is – or was – a good man – a superior moral example. Some would say that He was a great teacher, or a great magician/miracle worker, or some would even say that He was fraud!

Who do you say that Jesus is? My Friends, did you know that your assurance, or perhaps, your lack of assurance, has everything to do with your answer to this question?

1 John 4:14 and 15 – Does God really live in you? Take a look! If your confession – the testimony of your lips and your life – is – “Jesus is the Son of God” – “Jesus is the Savior of the world” – then, guess what? Then, God dwells in you, and you in God. 1 John 4:14 – 15 “And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God..”

There’s a second ‘lens’ through which you can see the unseen God – a second ‘test’ John urges us to use that we might examine ourselves, that through that examination, we might experience confirmation and assurance. It is what he refers to in 1 John 4, verse 17. Please read it again with me, will you?

“Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world” (1 John 4:17).

“As He is, so are we – in this world!” My Loved Ones, have you ever wondered what the name - the title ‘Christian’ really means? 1 John 4, verse 17 – jot it down in the margin of your Bible, will you? Make a note to yourself on the back of your worship bulletin, will you? 1 John 4, verse 17 – the definition of a Christian: “As He is, so are we – in this world!”

No one has ever seen God, right? 1 John 4, verse 12 says so! He is Spirit – spiritual, not physical! We cannot see – Him! Oh, but think about it with me, will you? By means of this ‘lifestyle test’ – “As He is, so are we in this world!” – by means of Spirit of God-filled PEOPLE – like you and me – God IS seen – in this world!

1 John 4, verse 17 – God’s love for us is perfected in us – it has reached its goal – accomplished the purpose God had in mind for it. It has made us – He has made us – like Him! “As He is, so are we – in this world.”

How can you and I know that God – the LORD of hosts – the One who claims to be our ever present help in trouble – how can we know that He REALLY DOES live – in us?

Examination point number one – Confirmation point number one – take a look – through that new set of glasses – and see Him. He IS there – if you believe that Jesus is the Son of God – if you confess that He is the Savior of the world.

Examination point number two – confirmation point number two – take a look – through that new set of glasses. Do you see Him? You OUGHT to see Him, if you are a Christian! “As He is, so are we – in this world!”

If your lifestyle is more and more aligned to that of Jesus Christ – if God is daily conforming you to the image of His Son (see Romans 8:29), then guess what? He is there! He really does live – in you!

Finally, one more ‘lens’ to look through, in hopes that the unseen God might – in fact – be VISIBLE – in you, through you. What ‘lens’ are we talking about here? 1 John 4, verse12 – 1 John 4, verse 20 – we’re talking about the ‘lens’ of love! The ‘lens’ of love.

1 John 4:12 - “No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us.” 1 John 4:20 - “If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?”

Just like with ‘test’ number one, and ‘test’ number two – this third point of examination – the ‘lens’ of love – is actually meant to be a point of confirmation. In other words, these verses – 1 John 4:12 and 1 John 4:20 – and many others found elsewhere in this letter – what are they? Why are they included in the Word of God?

They are here – in God’s Word – to prompt us to seek, to look, to ask: ‘Am I loving my brother – my fellow Christian?’ I mean, I say that I love God – I claim to love the unseen One – the One who gave me new life in Jesus Christ. But, do I love those whom I have seen – the rest of those to whom He has given new life in Christ?

The ‘love test’ – My Friends, do you realize that if you and I ‘pass’ this ‘test’, we will have our answer! The solution to our insecurity and fear, our worry and doubt – knowing that God really does live in us, and that we really do live in Him. If we ‘pass’ these ‘tests’ – the love test, the lifestyle test and the test that pertains to our testimony – our confession of Christ – guess what? If we pass these tests – these ‘examinations’ – we will experience the confirmation God promises! We will!

If – if we do so, in faith - 1 John 4:16. And, we will, if we do so out of genuine love for Christ - 1 John 4:19.

Take a look, as we close, at these two verses – 1 John 4:16 and 1 John 4:19 – and notice that right at the heart and center of these points of examination, and these means of confirmation – are two ‘givens’ – two assumptions – two ‘musts’ – faith in God – faith in Christ and, love for God and Christ. Let’s read these verses, and then we will close in prayer.

1 John 4:16 - “And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.” We will, if we do so out of genuine love for Christ - 1 John 4:19 - “We love Him because He first loved us.”

Works and Good Works - Labor Day 2010

Image credit.

Preached at Northwest Christian Church

David P. Kautt

Sunday Morning, September 5, 2010.

Ephesians 2:8-10: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

The subject of work and good works is a subject that, every once in a while, at least, ought to appear on every preacher's sermon schedule. It's a subject that has deep Scriptural roots, going all the way back to God's grand design for mankind in Creation – Genesis chapter two - and also a subject, therefore, that has broad application, as each one of us, as human beings, and as Christians, are called and commanded to work, and to pursue and produce good works.

Even though recently I have been leading you in a study of the first letter of John, I wanted to take this opportunity today, on the Lord's Day, before that holiday we call 'Labor Day', to examine this two-fold subject, work and good works. I trust that our time today in doing so will be well spent.

First of all, to lay the groundwork for this study, and, to remind you of what I trust you already know and are convinced of, take a look at what our Scriptural starting point has to say regarding this matter. Ephesians 2:8-10.

Number one, work or good works, human effort or achievement – '[our own] works of righteousness which we have done” - as Paul describes them in Titus chapter three, verse five, none of these things have the ability to save us. God's powerful grace has that ability, our wholehearted trust in that ability of God unlocks the door, activating that ability. But work, our good works, don't enable us to attain to or achieve salvation. Why? Simply put, because it is God's gift to us! Why? Because if it was, if salvation was the result of our work or good works, who would get the glory? Who would receive the praise? We would! We would undoubtedly boast that we – WE – had saved ourselves!

Salvation is not of works, we didn't effect I or bring it to pass! No! Ephesians 2:10 – everyone who truly is a Christian, go that way because of the workmanship, the new creation in Christ Jesus workmanship, of God Himself! The praise belongs to Him, and Him alone!

Nevertheless, look at the remainder of that tenth verse with me, will you? Though you and I are saved by our God, who is “rich in mercy” (Ephesians 2:4), even though our salvation is an expression, a marvelous demonstration of the “exceeding riches of God's grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus” - Ephesians 2:7. Notice with me what the rest of verse 10 has to say about good works. We are not saved BY good works – no! But, we are saved FOR good works!

In other words, included in God's eternal plan to save us, is a plan to USE us to carry out His work here on earth! “For we are God's workmanship - His handiwork – created in Christ Jesus, for good works.” That is God's new creation in Christ purpose for saving us – “for good works... that we should walk in them.”

Now, having laid that foundation, let's take a look at what God's Word has to say about this subject. Colossians chapter three – How many of you enjoy the look and, perhaps, even the feel and the smell of a new set of clothes? More than once I have been the unsuspecting recipient of a fellow Christian servant's generosity in this area of clothing. “David, it's time for you to have a new suit of clothing,” they'd say. And off we would go to the clothing stores in order to out-fit this preacher from head to toe!

Colossians chapter 3 – Did you know that there's a 'clothing store' by the name, 'Put on Christ'. The 'Put on Christ Clothing Store' – (see Galatians 3:26-27, Ephesians 6:10-20, Romans 13:11-14). Take a look with me at what awaits you and me there.

First of all, notice that at this 'store' there is a 'changing room', a place, a sacred place before the God who made you, and who, in Christ, is remaking you into the image of His Son (Romans 8:29), to 'take of' and forever leave behind your old 'clothing'.

Colossians 3:8,9 - “But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds.”

The 'changing room' is a place to take off the old 'clothing' that pertains to the 'old you'. And 'old you', by the way, who died – yes, died – (Colossians 3:3) and who is to be put-to-death, executed, along with all that has anything to do with him.

Colossians 3:5-7 – In this place called the 'Put on Christ' and 'Put on Christ-likeness Clothing Store,' where all those who enter are charged and challenged to “seek those things which are above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God,” and to “set their minds on things above, not on earthly things.” In that place, where all who enter must do so, having first DIED to the old way, to an old life and the wicked works that go with it, you and I, if that IS the case with us, what do we find in that place? And, how are we to be dressed once we leave that place? Colossians 3:12-14 – Would you read it with me, please?

Colossians 3:12-14, “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.

Beloved, what is the point of this passage? You see it, don't you? We are saved FOR good works. That's one of the purposes God had in mind when He sent His Son to Calvary. But now, realizing that that is what God had in mind for us, what are we to do? Colossians 3 - We're to make a trip to the 'Clothing store', we're to enter the 'changing room', we're to PUT ON good works, and the Christlike qualities that are the ingredients that are necessary for good works!

Go with me now to Acts chapter nine, and the record of the resurrection, the restoration to life of a woman named Tabitha.

Acts 9:36-42, “At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did. But it happened in those days that she became sick and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. And since Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them. Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them. But Peter put them all out, and knelt down and prayed. And turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive. And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord.

Now, you may be wondering in this sermon about work and good works, why we would stop to read and study this passage. My Loved Ones, we read it quickly, but look at it once again with me. Ladies, what does this passage tell us about this woman, this follower of Christ named Tabitha? Verse 36 – It says that she was, “full of good works!” That her life overflowed with the “charitable deed which she did.” Now, listen. Those two statements about this woman tell us a great deal! They do! But, listen... Who was it that knew the truth of those descriptions about her? Verse 39 – the needy! The helpless! The hurting! “Then Peter arose and went with them,” the text says, “[and] when he had come, they brought him to the upper room. [And there in that upper room] stood all the widows weeping, and showing [Peter] all the tunics and garments which Tabitha had made...”

Do you see it, Ladies? Do you see it, Fellows? This rather unknown Christian woman, WAS known, at least in and around her hometown of Joppa. And it wasn't for being a gossip or a busy-body! No! She was known! Tabitha was loved and appreciated because she was “FULL of good works!” Ladies, that's a reputation, with the good Lord's help, for which we all should strive! Amen? Amen!

But, how do you and I get that way? This passage that illustrates what Paul means in his instructions to Christian women in places like Titus 2 and 1 Timothy 5 – how is it that you and I are to come to be known for living lives FULL of good works?

Titus 2:11-14 - “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.”

You see that flow of thought, the order of things Paul lays out for us here, don't you? Good works – to be like Tabitha – what a model! What an example she is to all of us, man or woman! To be FULL of good works, as Tabitha was, we must first be zealous for good works. The things that God enabled Tabitha to fill her life with, these kinds of things must be what we eagerly desire and pursue! But, how is that possible?

Earlier, I suggested that you and I must travel to the 'Put on Christ Clothing Store', and that we must enter the 'Changing Room' so as to PUT ON good works! In this passage, however, the directives, though similar, go about describing the process of becoming zealous, eager for good works, like this... Verses 11-14 – Instead of entering the 'changing room', so to speak, in this text Paul exhorts us to join God in His 'Saving Grace Class Room!' “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.”

To be and become “zealous for good works,” we must, first of all, be ready, attentive 'STUDENTS' of God's grace. Learning the lessons His saving grace is meant to teach us. Lesson like saying, 'No! No!' to ungodliness and worldly lusts, and, 'Yes! Yes!' to a life that is lived soberly, righteously, and in a godly manner – a life redeemed FROM, bought out of slavery TO lawless deeds, and a life prepared and purified FOR God – zealous – eager to do His will!

“Zealous, fervent and eager, for good works!” That's what God's 'Saving Grace Classroom' has as it's 'learning outcome' – it's 'curriculum goal'!

Work, and good works – there's a great deal more to study and learn regarding this subject. But, allow me to wrap up what we need to know in this way. Work and good works.

This book – this Holy Book, breathed and inspired, as it is, BY God - to the end that God's people might be “thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) – what does it tell us, what does it teach us about the subject of work and good works? Three things: number one – Colossians 3:17, Work and good works are to be performed in Christ's name! “And whatever you do in word or in deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him!” (See Ephesians 6:5-8).

Second – work and good works, how do they come about? Ultimately, how do these kinds of works come about? Oh, that's easy! It's my muscle, my mind, and my money that makes it happen! Right? Right? Take a look at Philippians 2:12-13.

“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.”

Work and good works – my muscle? My mind? My money? No! “It is God who works in us both to will (them) and to do (them), for His good pleasure!” Which, leads us, then to number three – last thing we must always remember regarding this subject: Philippians 1:9-11. Paul's prayer for the Philippian believers and for us. What does He ask God to do in us and through us? By the way, beloved, that right there ought to be a huge clue, correct? What does Paul ask God to do in us, and through us?

Verse 9 – He asks God to cause our love to abound in knowledge and all discernment. Verse 10 – He asks God to help us prove and a-pprove the things that are excellent, that we might be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ. And... And – verse 11 – that we might be, Paul asks God to fill us with the fruits of righteousness. Good works – the “fruits of righteousness” - How? And, why? Good works – the “fruits of righteousness which are BY Jesus Christ” - that's the how. “To the glory and praise of God” - that's the why?

Work and good works – Allow me to close with this benediction taken from Hebrews 13:20-21.

Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.