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Teaching Notes

SIMPLICITY OF THE WORD

ISAIAH 28:7-14

This morning we are going to see how our BIBLIOLOGY, that has been given to us primarily, but not exclusively by the APOSTOLICITY, has become part of the CANONICITY. Now our CHRISTOLOGY, given at times by a THEOPHANY, but primarily the focus of this special revelation is PNEUMATOLOGICAL, with the intent on reveling to man SOTERIOLOGICAL information, that leads us to a final and climatic ESCHATOLOGICAL event!

Now if you understand what I said, then you are doing better than me. I'm not even sure what I have said. There are times that we make the simplicity of God's Word so complicated we don't even know what we are saying. And even worse, at times teachers use big words to show how smart they are but in doing that they have left their audience dumb-founded by what was said. They haven't got a clue to what they learned.

Obviously the verses used in the introduction that I gave you are not what we are going to be studying this morning, but they point to the bigger issue of teaching the Word in a manner that is understandable and beneficial to our lives. I like the way it is put in Nehemiah 8:8. It says "So they read distinctly from the book, in the Law of God; and they gave the sense, and helped them to understand the reading." In other words, Ezra read the Word of God to the people. He then explained it to them and then made God's Word applicable to their lives. That is what I try and do here at Calvary Chapel, it is not just a bunch of information, but hopefully it is pointingyou to Christ and drawing you closer to Him by applying what God has said in His Word to your everyday life.

Now for those of you who are interested in what I said in the opening verses, it basically went like this:

This morning we our going to see how our STUDY OF THE BIBLE (Bibliology), that has been given to us primarily but not exclusively by the APOSTLES TEACHINGS (Apostolicity), has become part of the DIVINE, INSPIRED SCRIPTURES (Canonicity). Now our study of JESUS CHRIST (Christology), given at times by a VISIBLE MANIFESTATION OF GOD (Theophany), but primarily the focus of this special revelation is by the HOLY SPIRIT (Pneumatological), with the intent of reveling to man the DOCTRINE OF SALVATION (Soteriology), that leads us to a final and climatic END TIMES (Eschatological) event!

Now I am sorry I had to put you through that, but the idea I was trying to put forth is important. And the reality of what we are going to study this morning is the clear communication of God's Word and the response that comes from the intelligentsia of our day to what we are doing.

So please turn with me to Isaiah chapter 28, as God is rebuking the Southern Kingdom of Judah for their evil ways, especially their leaders and their priests. Let's begin reading in verse 7.

ISAIAH 28:7-14

The leaders and the priests who were suppose to lead people in the direction towards God were so drunk in the spirit they were speaking all kinds of lies, erring in the judgments they were making, and God sees their lives as repulsive to Him.

And these people were so arrogant, so prideful in their ways, they began to mock Isaiah and the way he taught. It was so simplistic, "Precept upon precept. Line upon line. Here a little, there a little." This was the way you teach children and not those that are the spiritual elite like they thought they were. They were telling Isaiah to go and teach the children these things and stop making a fool of himself by his simplistic approach to the spiritual things of God. You see, Isaiah actually took the Word of God to be the Word of God. He didn't make excuses for it. He wasn't looking for some hidden meaning. He believed that what God said He meant! And yet these leaders and priests, who were in rebellion against God, not hearing His voice, refused to listen to what Isaiah was saying because Isaiah was not as educated as they were!

I hate to admit this, but the church has adopted this same philosophy and they are coming against those teachers that are teaching the Word verse-by-verse, from Genesis to Revelation, and believing that all we need for our spiritual health is found in the Scriptures. I know that entertainment, experience, is much more fun, but in the end, are you any closer to God by doing these things? I think not! And yet there are those that come against us for walking according to what God has said in His Word, and bringing things into the light of God's Word to test them and see if they are of God.

John Wimber, former leader of the Vineyard churches, said this regarding the emphasis that some have placed on the Scriptures:

"Evangelicals all over the country are worshipping the Book. They have God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Book. They took the very workings of the Holy Spirit and placed it in the Book."

He goes on to say what the people who are involved in the Calvary Chapel movement have done, and in a sense, in his condemnation of what we do, he is really commending us for what we do. Listen to what he says and you will see what I mean:

"Calvaryites are sometimes a little too heavily oriented to the written word. I know that sounds a little dangerous, but frankly they're very pharisacial in their allegiance to the Bible. They put very little life and growth and spontaneity in their innards. Sometimes they're very rigid and can't receive much of the things of the Lord."

Now we must be careful not to be so rigid that we are hindering the work that the Holy Spirit is trying to do in our lives and in this church. But the other extreme is to allow anything and everything occur in a church service and see what fruit comes of it, to see if it is from God. Because of that liberal thinking, we see people laughing uncontrollably, barking like dogs, being slain in the spirit, being thrown against the wall by the spirit, being drunk in the spirit, and-so-on. They tell us that God is bigger than His Word and He can do whatever He wants, and that is very true. But God has also established this truth in His Word, which He will not go against. In Psalm 138:2 we see David say, "I will worship toward Your holy temple, And praise Your name For Your lovingkindness and Your truth; For You have magnified Your word above all Your name." God will not contradict His Word for it would defame His holy name!

And if you want to go with the Theology that says anything goes, then you have no way to tell if it is of God or not. You can't go by feelings, because they are very deceptive. You see, without the Word of God as our guide book, without the Holy Scriptures as the plum line, then how do we really know what is truth and what is error? How do we know what to believe?

The explanation that these experience driven churches give us is simple. They tell us to wait and see what fruit is born and then you will know if it is of God or not, for if there is good fruit then it is of God, and if there is bad fruit, then it is not of God. Now we are not really sure what the definition of "good" fruit and "bad" fruit is, for that is a very subjective view, but that is how we are to know if these spiritual experiences are from God or not. Now you know why there is so much confusion in the church today!

Now lets see if that really works. The Mormon's believe that the angel Moroni gave Joseph Smith the ancient scripture, known as the book of Mormon back on September 21, 1823. Now the Mormon's are good people. They stand for good things. They have good morals. They have a good family life. So they are good, and thus this must be of God, right? Wrong!

Now the reason this is wrong is not based upon my understanding of what I think is right or wrong, but what God has said in His Word. In Galatians 1:8-9 Paul says "But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed." The book of Mormon is a different Gospel, it is not from God, but a doctrine of demons!

How foolish we have become, and how lazy we have become in our Christian life. We just believe what people say without testing them according to the Word of God. Just because they are pastors, or teachers doesn't mean they can't be wrong. In fact, Paul in Acts chapter 17 commended the Berean's because they searched the Scriptures to find out if what Paul was saying was right or if he was wrong. And Paul was not offended by this, like some of these teachers are today. In fact he commended them for it, he encouraged them to do it, and he is encouraging us to do the same.

Notice what Paul tells Timothy in II Timothy 2:15. He said "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." You see, you don't need to be ashamed at what you believe, that you trust the Scriptures more than you trust your feelings. But if you don't know the Word, you are going to have to trust someone or something, and that can be very dangerous.

Notice what the Word of God can do in our lives, as David, in Psalm 119, speaks forth all the richness that is found in God's Word. And in verse 133 of Psalm 119 David says "Direct my steps by Your word, And let no iniquity have dominion over me." The Word of God directs our steps, gives us guidance in what we do, and it is the tester of what man says, his ideas, views, about God. If it is not in the Word, then it truly is not of God!

Also, Jesus said in Matthew 4:4, "...'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.'" In other words, we need physical bread to keep our physical bodies healthy and strong just as we need spiritual bread, the Word of God to keep us spiritually healthy and strong.

Pastor Chuck Smith says this regarding what is happening in the experience driven church of today:

"One of the greatest weaknesses of the Charismatic movement is its lack of sound Bible teaching. There seems to be an undue pre-occupation with experience, which is often placed above the Word. As a consequence, Charismatic's have become fertile field for strange and unscriptural doctrines proliferating through their ranks."

And I have seen the bizarre stuff that is out there, and if I didn't see it with my own eyes I would not believe that this kind of stuff could be taking place in the church today, but it is! Now I do understand that some feel our church is spiritually dead because they say we don't exercise the gifts of the Holy Spirit here. I totally disagree with that statement because I believe the gifts are for today and I do see them working in this church. The problem is we tend to look at the gift of tongues, those gifts that are openly displayed, and abused, as proof that the Holy Spirit is working in the church. Again, I disagree.

We can see the gift of teaching, wisdom, knowledge being exercised in this church. We see the gift of giving as this church not only ministers to this community, but supports ministries around the world. Some of you have the gift of exhortation and you have blessed me tremendously as you also have blessed others. Some of you have the gift of hospitality, your home is open for those that need a place to sleep. There was a prophecy given to me concerning my coming to Wisconsin that has come to pass. And we see the gifts of faith, leadership, mercy, discerning spirits and-so-on exercised in this church!

To say that the Holy Spirit is not working in this church or that we don't believe in the gifts of the Spirit or we don't exercise them is untrue. They key of course is what Paul said to the Corinthians, "But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills." I Corinthians 12:11. The Spirit is in control, we are not, and He gives to us what we need at various times in our life during various situations in which we may need a certain gift. And many times the gifts operate so naturally that often we are not even aware of them being exercised.

Now before we move on I feel that I need to go over the gift of tongues once again. And for those who were here on Thursday, this will be a refresher for you, but I do feel it is that important, for as Paul said in I Corinthians 12:1, "Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant." And yet we do see so much confusion regarding these spiritual gifts, especially tongues.

In I Corinthians 14:21 Paul quotes these verses here in Isaiah chapter 28, verses 11-12. And Paul speaks this in regards to the gift of tongues in I Corinthians 14:2. He said "For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries." You see, it is not a message that is spoken to man, but to God. Paul tells us in I Corinthians 14:14-15 that this gift is primarily a prayer and praise language unto God, and at times the Spirit of God intercedes and helps us in our prayer, even though we don't understand what we are saying, (Romans 8:26).

On the other hand, the gift of prophecy is for the body of believers and unbelievers in that God speaks to us words of comfort, edification and exhortation. Tongues is prayer and praise unto God. Prophecy speaks to the church.

Now that seems clear until you read what Paul had to say in I Corinthians 14:20-25. We read, "Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature. In the law it is written: 'With men of other tongues and other lips I will speak to this people; And yet, for all that, they will not hear Me,' says the Lord. Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophesying is not for unbelievers but for those who believe. Therefore if the whole church comes together in one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those who are uninformed or unbelievers, will they not say that you are out of your mind? But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is convicted by all. And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed; and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly among you."

There seems to be a contradiction in what Paul is saying, so much so that some people believe that there was a copyist error in the transmittal of this section of Scripture. I don't believe that is the case and I will tell you why. In verses 20 and 21 Paul is giving to us an illustration and then in verse 22, he will draw his conclusion from that illustration by linking these two verses with the word "therefore".

The gift of prophecy draws new believers and unbelievers to Christ. It comforts them, exhorts them, edifies them. Tongues does nothing for them because they can't understand the message.

Then why did Paul use Isaiah 28:11-12 to make this point? To understand what Paul is saying you have to understand the context of what Isaiah is saying. Isaiah is telling us that God sent him to speak clearly, plainly, of the coming judgment of God because of their sins, HE SPOKE PROPHECY! The problem was they refused to listen. Thus, God was going to send another people, the Babylonians who spoke a different tongue, a tongue they would not understand, as a sign of God's judgment.

And so Paul is admonishing us to use the spiritual gifts properly, in order, and not have it be some chaotic free-for-all. You see, you would not use a saw to hammer a nail in, nor would you use a hammer to cut a piece of wood. And the same is true with the spiritual gifts. Tongues is more of a personal gift that speaks words of praise and prayer unto God. When you come into a assembly or a gathering of people, speak the Words of God, PROPHECY, which will draw people to Christ. You see, prophecy is not only for-telling the future, but forth-telling the things of God. It is as Paul told Timothy, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."

The Word of God tells us what is right, what is wrong, how to get right and then how to stay right. The Word of God makes us complete! That is what we need to see in the church today, and not entertainment or multi-media presentations, looking for the experience rather than teaching the Word of God. Don't get me wrong, there are times for these things, but not in place of the teaching of the Word of God.

We have moved so far away from the teaching of God's Word, we don't see it as being important or relevant to our day, and how wrong we are. Paul, as he met the Ephesian elders for the last time, spoke what was on his heart. Understand that he was not going to see these men any more, this was the last time. And thus, he was not going to waste his words but speak that which they needed to hear. Paul laid it all on the line, and spoke what was weighing heavy upon his heart.

In Acts 20:26:32 we read of what Paul said. "Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears. So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified."

Paul is saying that he was innocent of the blood of all men because he gave them the whole counsel of God. He held nothing back. He didn't water the message down so some would not be offended by it. He gave them the Word of God just as God spoke it!

And now he is warning the Ephesian elders to do the same with the flock that God has given to them. To teach them the Word of God. To build them up in the faith. To help them to know the Scriptures because savage wolves are coming from within the flock and from outside of the flock, looking to devour those sheep that are frail, those that don't know what they believe. In the Spring the Jehovah Witnesses will come to your door and if you don't know what you believe they will have you agreeing with their false gospel. They know their twisted scriptures and if you don't know what you believe, they will confuse you. But if you are taught the Words of God, study the Word of God, are built up in the faith, then you will recognize the false doctrine by the truth of God's Word. And if it is not the Word of God then it is doctrines of demons, plain and simple! As Jesus said in John 17:17, "Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth." And in John 8:31-32 "...'If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.'"

Now some of you may feel that I am going to far, that I am too conservative on this view and I need to be more open to what the Spirit wants to do. Of course we always want to be open to what the Spirit of God wants to do, but I don't believe I am quenching the work of the Holy Spirit by applying God's Word to my life. In fact, Isaiah 8:20 says "To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." Do you see how important the Scriptures are to us? In fact, for those that are not teaching from the Word of God, the Scriptures tell us there is no spiritual light in them, they are in darkness!

Here at Calvary we believe that the Bible is the Word of God and we teach it verse-by-verse through the Bible. We want to give you the whole counsel of God because we feel it is essential to your spiritual growth and to not teach this way would be negating what God has instructed us to do. Yes, it may be simple, but the Word of God is living and powerful and by the power of God's Spirit, we will be transformed into the image of God! I give no apology for what we do here at Calvary. I am not ashamed at teaching the Word of God. And for me to see people grow in their relationship with the Lord is a great joy, a joy that you may never fully know or understand. You see, I believe that in the teaching of God's Word I am doing what God has called me to do. But that is not a calling for just me, it is a calling to all those who are called into the ministry today. To be a people pleaser is not what God has called us to be, but to be teachers of His Word so that, as Paul said in Ephesians chapter 4, "that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head; Christ."

The call to Judah, and the call to us is to hear the Word of God so that we may apply it to our lives. It is as Jennings put it, "Continue to speak in the simplest, clearest words; but that will be in order that all responsibility for their rejection can only be charged, not to the obscurity of the message, but to those who reject it." If you do this, if you are committed to this, then you, like Paul can openly say "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing." II Timothy 4:7-8.