Sunday Sermon - October 19, 2003

Sunday Sermon

Brother's Keeper

Dave Shaner

October 19, 2003

Introduction: Baptism didn't drown the devil. We must be on guard lest we be led astray. Our vigilance must go beyond ourselves to each other.

James 5:19-20

My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

I. Does God keep the believer in a state of eternal security?

A. Five basic tenets of Calvinism:

1. Man is born in absolute depravity

2. Unconditional election

3. Limited atonement

4. Irresistible grace - you are unable to resist

5. Perseverance of the saints

B. Warnings in the scripture to not wander from the truth.

1. Colossians 1:22-23

But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation-- if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.

2. II Peter 1:10-11

Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

3. Hebrews 3:12-14

See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first.

4. Hebrews 10:26-27

If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God.

C. Jesus offers security - John 10:27-28

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.

D. Security still requires that I trust God - I John 2:24-25

See that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father. And this is what he promised us--even eternal life.

II. Brothers keep:

A. ... ________________________________________

1. We should not wait to be asked or called when one is in trouble.

2. Philippians 2:4

Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

3. I Thessalonians 5:14

And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.

4. Titus 1:1

Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ for the faith of God's elect and the knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness--

5. Restoring a fallen brother is all of our responsibility.

B. ... ________________________________________

1. Luke 22:31-32

"Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."

2. II Thessalonians 3:15

Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.

C. ... ________________________________________

1. Galatians 6:1-3

Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.

2. God never gives up on one of his children, thus we can never give up on a brother or sister.

III. Nothing should keep __________ from working in __________.

A. To James, faith that doesn't help someone is phony.

B. Galatians 5:6

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.

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