THE GREATEST PRIVILEGES

INTRO:

1. Mr. Webster says privilege means: "A right or immunity granted as a peculiar advantage or favor. A grant of a special right or immunity; a franchise or patent. A fundamental or sacred right one of the rights guaranteed to all persons by modern constitutional governments."

2. Rights and privileges are central themes in the Constitution of the United States.

A. Such as: Press, Speech, Worship, Pursuit of Happiness.

3. Freedoms are central themes in the New Testament. But we are told not to misuse or abuse our freedom that is in Christ. Gal. 5:1,13; 1 Pet. 2:16.

I. BELIEF OR FAITH IS A GREAT PRIVILEGE.

A. To have faith in the God that saves. Jno. 3:16.

B. But it is even greater to have a faith that expresses itself in works. Jas. 1:21-25; 2:14-26; Matt. 7:21-27.

II. REPENTANCE IS A GREAT PRIVILEGE.

A. Men are prone not to forgive, but God always forgives those that repent. 2 Chron. 7:14; Isa. 55:6,7.

B. It will bring about pardon. But the lack of it will bring about condemnation. Lk. 13: 3; Acts 17:30,31; Rom. 12:9.

III. CONFESSION IS A GREAT PRIVILEGE.

A. God will dwell in those that confess. 1 Jno. 4:15.

B. Christ will confess them before His Father. Matt. 10:32,33; Rom. 10:9,10.

C. This confession must be accompanied by works. 1 Jno. 2:4; Lk. 6:46; Matt. 7:21; Jno. 12:42,43.

IV. BAPTISM IS A GREAT PRIVILEGE.

A. Sins are remitted by baptism. Acts 2:38; 22:16.

B. We enter into Christ where all spiritual blessings are by baptism. Gal. 3:26,27; Eph. 1:3.

C. We can have a good conscience by being baptized. 1 Pet. 3:21.

D. We are saved by baptism. 1 Pet. 3:21.

1. Someone might ask: "Is there salvation in water." No! But there is salvation in obedience to God which is a part of His plan for us.

E. But we can also be condemned if we are not baptized. Mk. 16:16.

1. To reject baptism is to reject the counsel of God. Lk. 7:30.

V. IT IS A GREAT PRIVILEGE TO HAVE ACCESS TO THE DOCTRINE OF CHRIST.

A. Note 1 Cor. 15:1-4.

B. We are to continue in it stedfastly and not go beyond it. Acts 2:42; 2 Jno. 9.

C. It will save our souls. Jas. 1:21; Rom. 1:16,17.

D. The doctrines of men will condemn. Matt. 15:9.

E. We are warned against the doctrines of men. Gal. 1;6-8; Col. 2:8.

VI. FELLOWSHIP IS A GREAT PRIVILEGE, WHETHER IT IS REFERRING TO ASSEMBLING TOGETHER AS SAINTS OR GIVING OF OUR MEANS TO SUPPORT THE PREACHING OF THE GOSPEL. Phil. 1:3-11; 4:10-20.

A. We are told to be stedfast and not forsake it. Acts 2:42; Heb. 10:25.

B. Coming together is to be done at every appointed meeting if at all possible.

1. Many seem to think that they are doing God or our brethren a favor when we assemble with the saints.

2. Some have the attitude, you visit me once to encourage me to attend the services and I will certainly come once in return.

C. Laying by in store is to be done upon the 1st day of every week. 1 Cor. 16:1,2.

D. It is a grace or gift from God and we are commanded to abound in it. It is a great privilege allowed by God. 2 Cor. 8:1-7.

E. This giving is to be done, as prospered, willingly, with purpose, and cheerfully. 2 Cor. 9:6-8.

VII. BREAKING OF BREAD AROUND THE LORD'S TABLE IS A GREAT PRIVILEGE GIVEN TO THE CHILDREN OF GOD.

A. It is through this means that we commune with hte Lord, and He with us. Matt. 26: 26-29.

B. It is through this means that we commemorate the death of suffering of our Lord until He comes again. 1 Cor. 11:23-30.

C. We are to do this stedfastly upon every 1st day of the week. Acts 2:42; 20:7.

VIII. PRAYER IS A GREAT PRIVILEGE.

A. It is through prayer that we talk with God, He talks to us through His written Word.

B. Prayer is to be stedfast. Rom. 12:12.

C. It is to be addressed to God the Father through Jesus Christ the Lord. Rom. 1:8.

D. We are to ask in faith, nothing wavering. Jas. 1:6,7.

E. We are to ask, doing His will. 1 Jno. 3:22.

F. We are to ask according to His will. 1 Jno. 5:14,15.

G. We must not allow our prayers to be an "abomination" before the Lord. Prov. 28:9

IX. TO HAVE A HOME WITH GOD AFTER THIS LIFE IS OVER IS THE GREATEST OF PRIVILEGES.

A. A prepared place for a prepared people. Jno. 14:1-3.

B. An eternal home. Psa. 23:6; Eccl. 12:5.

C. But we must prepare for that prepared place. 1 Pet. 1:3-9.

X. IT IS A GREAT PRIVILEGE TO BE ABLE TO ESCAPE HELL AND SATAN.

A. Note what Peter says: 2 Pet. 1:4; 5-11.

CONCLUSION:

1. Yes, there are many great privileges for us if we will seek them out and use them.

2. You have the privilege of becoming a Christian today, you might not have this privilege tomorrow.

3. Why not take advantage of this great privilege now?

By Jim Sasser

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