THE GREATEST PRIVILEGES ARE REALIZED IN CHRIST

The greatest quest of mankind is freedom.

Freedom grants privileges.Let us learn not to abuse our

freedom.

Introduction

• 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."

Introduction

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

• Freedom is a word which allows such things as freedom of: Press, Speech, Worship, Pursuit of Happiness.

• Freedoms are central themes in the New Testament.

• But we are told not to misuse or abuse our freedom that is in Christ.

Introduction• Galatians 5:1 “It was for freedom that Christ set

us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery”.

• Galatians 5:13 “For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another”.

• 1 Pet. 2:16 “Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bond slaves of God”.

BELIEF OR FAITH IS A GREAT PRIVILEGE

• To have faith in the God that saves. • John 3:16.• But it is even greater to have a faith that

expresses itself in works. • James 1:21-25; • James 2:14-26; • Matthew 7:21-27.

REPENTANCE IS A GREAT PRIVILEGE.

• Men are prone not to forgive, but God always forgives those that repent.

• 2 Chronicles 7:14; • Isaiah 55:6,7. • It will bring about pardon. • But the lack of it will bring about condemnation. • Luke 13: 3; • Acts 17:30,31; • Romans 12:9.

CONFESSION IS AGREAT PRIVILEGE

• God will dwell in those that confess. • 1 John 4:15. • Christ will confess them before His Father.• Matthew 10:32,33; • Romans 10:9,10. • This confession must be accompanied by works. • 1 John 2:4; • Luke 6:46; • John 12:42,43.

BAPTISM IS A GREAT PRIVILEGE

• Sins are remitted by baptism. • Acts 2:38; • Acts 22:16. • We enter into Christ where all spiritual blessings are by

baptism.• Galatians 3:26,27; • Ephesians 1:3. • We can have a good conscience by being baptized and

we are saved by baptism. • 1 Peter 3:21.

BAPTISM IS A GREAT PRIVILEGE

• 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.

• But we can also be condemned if we are not baptized.

• Mark 16:16. • To reject baptism is to reject the counsel of God. • Luke 7:30.

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

• 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. • We are to continue in it steadfastly and not go

beyond it.• 1 Corinthians 15:58 • Acts 2:42; • 2 John 9. • It will save our souls. • James 1:21; • Romans 1:16,17.

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

• The doctrines of men will condemn. • Matthew 15:9. • We are warned against the doctrines of men. • Galatians 1;6-8; • Colossians 2:8.

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. Philippians 1:3-11;

• Philippians 4:10-20. • A. We are told to be steadfast and not forsake it.• Hebrews 10:25. • Coming together is to be done at every appointed

meeting if at all possible. • Many seem to think that they are doing God or our

brethren a favor when we assemble with the saints.

FELLOWSHIP IS A GREAT PRIVILEGE

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

• Laying by in store is to be done upon the 1st day of every week.

• 1 Corinthians 16:1,2. • It is a grace or gift from God and we are

commanded to abound in it.

FELLOWSHIP IS A GREAT PRIVILEGE

• It is a great privilege allowed by God. • 2 Corinthians 8:1-7. • This giving is to be done, as prospered,

willingly, with purpose, and cheerfully. • 2 Cor. 9:6-8.

THE LORD'S SUPPER IS A GREAT PRIVILEGE

• It is through this means that we commune with the Lord, and He with us.

• Matthew 26: 26-29. • It is through this means that we commemorate the

death of suffering of our Lord until He comes again. • 1 Corinthians 11:23-30. • We are to do this steadfastly upon every 1st day of

the week. • Acts 2:42; • Acts 20:7.

PRAYER IS A GREAT PRIVILEGE

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

• Prayer is to be steadfast. • Romans 12:12. • It is to be addressed to God the Father through

Jesus Christ the Lord. • Romans 1:8. • We are to ask in faith, nothing wavering. • James 1:6,7.

PRAYER IS A GREAT PRIVILEGE

• We are to ask, doing His will. • 1 John 3:22. • We are to ask according to His will. • 1 John 5:14,15. • We must not allow our prayers to be an

"abomination" before the Lord. Prov. 28:9

TO BE ABLE TO ESCAPE HELL AND SATAN IS A GREAT PRIVILEGE

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

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

PRIVILEGES

• A prepared place for a prepared people. • John 14:1-3. • An eternal home. • Psalm 23:6; • Ecclesiastes 12:5. • But we must prepare for that prepared place. • 1 Peter 1:3-9.

CONCLUSION

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

• We also need to learn to appreciate these privileges we have.

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

• Why not take advantage of this great privilege now?