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This sermon explores the book of Philemon as a portrait of the gospel manifested in everyday family life, focusing on the first three verses to highlight the character of Philemon, Apphia, and Archippus. The central message emphasizes that faith is not merely a religious observance but a practical reality that transforms relationships within the home. Philemon is presented as a model of self-sacrificial love and active labor in ministry, while Apphia exemplifies loyalty and support for her husband and children. Archippus is described as a young believer who endures the hardships of spiritual warfare as a fellow soldier of Christ. The exposition concludes by asserting that even such a devoted family requires God's grace and peace to navigate the challenges of ministry and domestic life, urging believers to rely on divine help rather than human effort.

The sermon explores the theological mystery of Christ indwelling His people, described in Colossians as the hope of glory. It contrasts the partial knowledge of Old Testament prophets with the full revelation given to the church, emphasizing that this indwelling is a supernatural reality rather than mere intellectual assent. The message urges believers to recognize the certainty of their future glory and to live with a sense of awe and worship. It further calls for active evangelism and sanctification, framing these efforts as a necessary toil to present everyone mature in Christ. This labor is sustained not by human strength but by the divine power of the indwelling Christ, who empowers believers to overcome apathy and share the gospel effectively.

Scripture: 1 Timothy 5:17–18 Sermon: "A Minister's Due Wages (Biblical Church Finance: Part 6)" Speaker: Pastor Sam Lee Date: October 18, 2026

Solomon's words here are not sarcasm. They are counsel for believers who live under the sun. Eat your bread with joy. Drink your wine with a merry heart. God has already accepted your works — not because we earn it, but because our lives are in His hands. Wear the garments of praise. Live joyfully with the spouse He has given. And whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, because the race is not always to the swift, nor the battle to the strong. Time and providence happen to them all. This is not a call to self-centered pleasure. It is a call to thankful contentment and diligent labor — for the glory of the God who gives both the bread and the breath. Life under the sun is short. Do the work. Enjoy the gift. Fear God.

Five-Fold Ministry of Epaphroditus

The sermon examines the Parable of the Sower from Matthew 13, emphasizing the active labor required to spread the Gospel and the varying responses of human hearts to divine truth. It distinguishes between the hardened, shallow, and choked soils that represent false professions or spiritual stagnation, contrasting them with the good ground that yields abiding fruit through genuine faith. The message calls believers to be diligent workers in the harvest field, urging them to avoid the distractions of worldly cares and the deceitfulness of riches. Ultimately, it presents a pastoral appeal for listeners to examine their spiritual condition, rejecting empty religious forms in favor of a sincere, saving relationship with Christ that produces visible evidence of grace.

Beloved, like the Church in Thessalonica, let us abound un the grace already at work among us, putting our faith into practice, laboring in love for one another, and standing firm with our hope fixed upon Christ's return. By His grace, let us be increasingly a church worth thanking God for.

Let Jesus get the last word. 1. In life ("I know..." and "Fear not...") 2. In death ("Be faithful..." and "crown of life.") Does Jesus have the last word in your life? In your death? In your faithfulness? In your labors?

This sermon explores the practical implications of being a new creation in Christ, focusing on the behavioral transformation required of believers. Using the metaphor of a caterpillar becoming a butterfly, the message emphasizes that spiritual renewal must manifest in concrete changes in action, speech, and thought. The primary exposition centers on Ephesians 4:28, interpreting the prohibition against stealing as a mandate for diligent labor, frugality, and generosity, grounded in the Westminster Larger Catechism. The preacher further elaborates on the commands for kindness, tender-heartedness, and biblical forgiveness, urging the congregation to examine their own lives against these high standards. The tone is convicting and instructional, challenging listeners to rely on God's grace to fulfill these duties and to place their trust in Jesus Christ as both Savior and Lord.

This sermon explores the theme of serving in the Lord's harvest field through the example of Ruth, emphasizing that Christian service is governed by God's providence, characterized by personal zeal, and sustained by divine grace. The speaker highlights how God orchestrated Ruth's timing and placement to meet Boaz, illustrating that believers are placed in specific times and places for a purpose. While acknowledging the necessity of earnest labor and humility, the message stresses that zeal must be guided by biblical knowledge and proper church order rather than individualism. Ultimately, the sermon asserts that all success in ministry and daily life depends entirely on the grace of the Lord of the harvest, who provides the results while the believer faithfully serves.

The sermon examines the lives of Lazarus, Martha, and Mary during the supper at Bethany to illustrate three essential aspects of the Christian walk: communion, service, and devotion. Lazarus represents a life in daily communion with Christ, emphasizing the necessity of consistent prayer and fellowship for those who have received eternal life. Martha exemplifies a life of service, encouraging believers to labor steadfastly for the Lord regardless of whether their work is visible or hidden, as God sees all efforts made in His name. Mary demonstrates a life of devotion through her costly act of anointing Jesus, highlighting the call to surrender precious things to the Lord and to find comfort in falling at His feet during times of grief. The message concludes by urging the congregation to emulate these three virtues, ensuring that their lives reflect a deep, abiding relationship with Christ that leaves a lasting spiritual legacy.

Main Idea: Spiritual maturity is demonstrated by humble service and unity in God's work. Main Points: I. Carnality Divides (vv. 1-4) II. Servants Labor Together (vv. 5-8) III. God Gives the Increase (v. 9)

This is the first installment in a two-part presentation of the various personalities found in every church congregation showing the good, the bad, and the ugly among the brethren. Tonight's list includes: • The Encourager • The Prayer Warrior • The Support Laborer • The Idolater • The Softy • The Giver • The Gossip • The Murmurer • The Teacher • The Accuser • The Proud • The Competitor • The Leader THE BIBLE Baptist Church of DeLand, Florida Pastor James W. Knox Pastor David A. Brown https://biblebaptistdeland.com For more sermons and Bible study materials, please visit our web store at https://store.jameswknox.org/ DeLand School of THE BIBLE: https://dsbkjv.com