Ep 489 | Guided By God's Counsel - Jacob Kelso 2/19/23

Good afternoon. I'm certainly glad for the

presence of everyone that's made it back this afternoon and I'm

very glad to be your speaker. I hope that the things that we

study and we consider will be according to the word of God.

I'd like to talk to you about a passage of scripture found in

the 73rd Psalm and as an introductory text I just like to

read verses 21 through 26 will be considering verse 24 but I

thought that verse 21 through 26 really helps us to better

understand what the The psalmist is saying and their wonderful

words that had meaning and Specialty to, what I'm going to

talk to you about. So Psalm 73 verse 21, the Bible

Psalms 73:21

says, thus my heart was grieved and I was vexed in my mind.

I was so foolish and ignorant. I was like a beast before you.

Nevertheless, I am continually with you.

You hold me by my right hand. He will guide me with your

counsel and afterward receive me to Glory.

Whom have I in heaven, but you And there is none upon Earth

that I desire besides you, my flesh and my heart fail but God

is the strength of my heart and my portion forever, the words

that the psalmist has penned, they're very beautiful.

It's a comforting song that's been written to the loving

creator with the thought, the motive of being Guided by his

counsel and ask for being received into his glory.

I can't think of anything that would bring Greater Joy to a

person than, to be guided by God's counsel and to be I've

done to the glory of God. I like to talk about for just a

few moments making the words of the psalmist.

Our very own that we too could have this great joy and this

great comfort that the psalmist talk spell.

I want to talk about her. Just a few moments.

We wanted we wanted to. We said that we wanted to talk

about God's counsel and how wonderful it is what great

comfort it brings to us. But why do we need the counsel

of God or this guide? What is the importance or

significance of that? And a little illustration that I

could give to help us Stan. This is we have various road

signs as you're driving along the road, some are signs that

show the speed limit at our other side such as this, that

shows that you're coming upon a curve.

And you need to slow down and these signs, these things are

put in, place to guide guard, and protect us on the road,

certainly, that are of importance.

And it's important that we do not violate them, it would be

wrong of us to violate them because they've been put in

place for our safety. And for our betterment and are

good. Good.

But how do we know what the speed limit is?

For example, or how do we know that we're coming up on a curve?

Unless there was a sign to guide us and likewise this afternoon,

our precious souls are in need of guidance from God.

Solomon would say in Proverbs, Chapter 14 and in verse 12,

Proverbs 14 · chapter mention

there is a way which seems right to a man, but the end is the way

of death. And it's wasn't the only time

that Sullivan was saying this. He also would say in Proverbs

Proverbs 16 · chapter mention

chapter 16 and verse 25. The same words he says there's a

way that seems right to a man but it's end is the way of death

and Jeremiah 10:23. Jeremiah would say oh Lord I

Jeremiah 10:23

know that the way of man is not in himself, it is not in man

that walks to direct his steps. So when we talk about our own

what we would think would be right doing what is right in our

own eyes that doesn't cut it according to Solomon and Amaya,

as well as others. This, we're going to see, we're

going to stumble and we're going to fall if we rely on ourselves.

However, when we take what, a joy in great comfort, it is to

be guided by God's counsel, we can be truly blessed and

Proverbs chapter 12. And in verse 28, Solomon, would

Proverbs 12 · chapter mention

say, in the way of righteousness is life.

And the pathway there of There Is No Death and it's in the

guidance of the counsel of God that we can reach the wonderful.

Glory of God as we read in our introductory text, in Psalm 73

and in verse 24. So that might lead us to the

question. What is this great counseling?

This wonderful Council that comes from God and I want to

invite your attention to Acts chapter 20 will consider verses

Acts 20 · chapter mention

24 to 27. There knocks chapter 20.

Beginning at verse 24. Paul has called the Elders of

the Church of Ephesus together and here's what he says to them

were picking up, Acts 20, verse 24, but none of these things

Acts 20:24

move me, nor do I count my life, dear to myself.

So that I may finish my race with joy and the ministry, which

I received from the Lord Jesus to testify to the gospel of the

grace of God and indeed. Now, I know that you all among

whom I have gone preaching, the kingdom of God will see you.

My face no more. 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. Notice that?

And one verse Paul says that he has testified to them, the

gospel of the grace of God, and then he finishes up there in

verse 27 by saying that he has declared, the whole counsel of

God to the Ephesians. In fact, backing up two verses.

20 through 21 Vox 20. He says, I Back.

Nothing, that was helpful, but proclaimed, it to you and taught

you publicly. And from house to house,

testifying to Jews and also to Greeks repentance toward God and

Faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

We talked about the gospel, being the counsel of God.

The gospel is a wonderful thing, you know, Paul would say in

Romans chapter 1 and verse 16, he was not ashamed of the gospel

Romans 1 · chapter mention

of Christ. Why it is the power of God unto

salvation to everyone who believes in the Jew first.

And also, Also, to the Greek I want to show you that the gospel

is how we are called of God, that we may obtain the glory of

Christ. That's what second

2 Thessalonians 2:13–14

Thessalonians. Chapter 2 verses 13 through 14

says they're in second Thessalonians.

2 Thessalonians 2:13

Chapter 2, verse 13, through 14, Paul says, but we are bound to

give. Thanks to God.

Always for you Brethren beloved of the Lord because God from the

beginning, chose you for salvation through sanctification

by the It and belief in the truth, the which he called you

by Our Gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus

Christ. So since this is so important in

such that since this could bring such joy in such a comfort to

us, what is the gospel? And thus, what is the counsel of

God? The word gospel means, good

news. So what is the good news for

you? And I, that we can be guided by

that? We could have great joy and

great comfort and the lord, well, the good news begins.

With bad news. The bad news is that Romans 3:23

Romans 3:23

says that all have sinned and fallen short of God's glory.

And in Romans 6:23, Paul continued to say that the wages

Romans 6:23

of sin is death. So that's the bad news.

However, we've read in. Psalm 73 verse 24 that there is

Psalms 73:24

Council that can guide us that we can obtain the glory of God.

So what is this? Where that's where the good news

of the gospel of Christ comes Then because in Romans Chapter 5

Romans 5:6

Verse 6, through 9, Paul would say, for when we were still

without Strength In Due Time Christ died for the ungodly for

scarcely for a righteous man. Will one die yet, Perhaps for a

good, man, some would even dare to die, but God demonstrates his

own love toward us in that while we were still sinners Christ

died for us, much more then having now been justified by his

blood, we shall be saved from Wrath.

Through him. So we've talked about the

importance then of being Guided, by God's counsel, thus, being

Guided by the gospel. How does one obey the counsel of

God? How do you know if you're being

Guided by God's counsel and thus, being Guided by the gospel

will consider this now. And first of all, I would submit

to you. This afternoon one who hears,

the gospel is Guided by it, going back to the Pearls of

Wisdom by Solomon. Solomon would say in Proverbs

Proverbs 19:20–21

Chapter 19, Verse 20 through 21. Proverbs 19 verse 20, through

Proverbs 19:20

21, listen to counsel and receive instruction that you may

be wise in your latter days. There are many plans in a man's

heart. Nevertheless, the Lord's counsel

that will stand. But how can we hear the counsel

of God preached and where does it even come from?

You know, Paul would ask similar questions to others in Romans

Romans 10:14

chapter 10, verse 14, through 17.

And as he asks these questions, the answer becomes obvious to

us. So let's read that.

A chapter 10 verse 14 through 17 Paul says, how then shall they

call on him in whom they have not believed?

And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard

and how shall they hear without a preacher and how shall they

preach? Unless they are sent as it is

written. How beautiful are the feet of

those who preach, the gospel of peace who bring Glad Tidings of

good things but they not they have not all obeyed.

The gospel for Isaiah says Lord who has believed our report.

So then faith comes by Hearing and hearing by the word of God,

I think. So when we consider these words,

we could progress a little bit further though.

And we could say one, who knows the gospel is Guided by God's

counsel. The Bible says, this as well.

I want to invite your attention to consider second Peter,

2 Peter 1 · chapter mention

chapter 1 and verse 3. Often we go to this passage.

We show that we have everything that we need for life and

godliness coming from the scriptures.

Well, let's focus for just a moment on those last words

there. The scripture says there, his

divine power has given us all things that pertain to life and

godliness. Usually that's where we drone

the rest out. But listen to what the rest says

through the knowledge of him who called us by glory and virtue.

And we've read in second Thessalonians 2 that were called

by the gospel. Knowledge is important.

Solomon would say in Proverbs chapter 18 and verse 15 that the

Proverbs 18 · chapter mention

heart of The Prudent acquires knowledge and at the ear of the

I seeks knowledge. In fact, when we talk about

knowledge in the church it's commended when it's found in the

Brethren, Paul gave this combination to the Brethren and

Roman Romans chapter 15 and verse 14.

Romans 15 · chapter mention

Listen to the good words that he had to say to them.

I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren.

That you also are full of goodness filled with all

knowledge able also to admonish one another that's good.

Could Paul say the same thing about you this afternoon I've

certainly Would love to hear such wonderful things coming

from an apostle like that. But from Romans chapter 10,

Romans 10:14–17

verse 14 through 17 which we just considered, I think we've

progressed a little bit further though.

We can say that one is Guided by the gospel.

Not only by hearing it and by knowing it but also by believing

it as well. And Romans 10:17, we just read

Romans 10:17

that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.

Now Ponder those words if you will for just a moment Ponder

how it's possible. And actively listen to

something. That's been said you know what

has just been said, but you still don't believe it.

And we have an example of this in the scriptures.

It's found in John chapter 7 and John chapter 7.

John 7 · chapter mention John 7 · chapter mention

I imagine that the brothers of Jesus as he was doing his

Earthly Ministry. They must have heard the words

that he preached and they knew what he was saying.

But verse 5 says that they didn't believe Think about that.

And also think about how believed as necessary for our

salvation. And John 3:16.

John 3:16

The scripture says that God loved the world so much that he

gave his only begotten, son, that whoever believes in him

should not perish but have eternal life.

Jesus would make this statement and John 8:24.

John 8:24

Jesus said that unless you believe that I am, he the Son of

God you will die in your sins. And he also says in Mark chapter

Mark 16 · chapter mention

16 and verse 16, he who believes and is baptized will be saved.

But he who does not believe will be condemned.

So so far what we've talked about one, hears, the gospel and

thus, acquires knowledge of it. Secondly, he believes, but I

would submit to you. Thirdly this afternoon, he who

is, then baptized is Guided by God's counsel, and fact, the

scripture says to reject baptism, it's reject, the

wonderful counsel of God and the joy, and comfort that it could

bring for our lives. I find this in Luke Chapter 7,

Luke 7 · chapter mention

And Luke chapter 7, Jesus is talking to the multitude about

Luke 7 · chapter mention

the validity of John, the Baptist's teachings.

He talks about how this was the one that was prophesied of and

Malachi chapter 3 and in other places the one to prepare the

Malachi 3 · chapter mention

way of the Lord. And in verse 29, the scripture

says in Luke 7, many were Justified having been baptized

by John, but verse 30 reads, the Pharisees and lawyers rejected

the counsel of God against themselves.

Being not baptized of him. I realized when it scripture

says that it's talking about the baptism of John, but the Bible

still does say that. Baptism is necessary for our

salvation and Mark chapter, 16 and verse 16, we just dragged he

who believes and is baptized will be saved on the day of

Pentecost, Peter's response. When the crowd asked him men and

Brethren. What shall we do was to repent,

and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus

Christ, for the remission of your sins.

That's found in Acts chapter 2 and verse 38 or when ananias

Acts 2 · chapter mention

came to Saul of Tarsus. We find Knox 22 verse 16, he

said, and now why are you waiting arise and be baptized

and wash away? Your sins?

Calling on the name of the Lord. It couldn't be any simpler than

when Peter says in First Peter chapter 3 and verse 21, there's

1 Peter 3 · chapter mention

an antitype which now saves us. Baptism, not the removal of the

filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience

toward God, through the resurrection.

Ian of Jesus Christ. And to be baptized would be to

obey the gospel and the strobe a, the counsel of God ever.

Consider what is meant by that? When we called baptism obeying

the gospel. I hope to explain that to you

right now and hopefully we have a better understanding of that

first. Let's go to First Corinthians

1 Corinthians 15 · chapter mention

chapter 15. And we'll look at verses 1

through 4. And 1st Corinthians chapter 15

verse 1 through 4. Paul says, the Brethren who are

at Corinth, moreover Brethren, I declare unto you, the gospel,

which I preached to you, which also you received and, which you

stand by which also ye are saved if you hold fast that word,

which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain, for I

delivered to you first of all, that, which I also received that

Christ died for our sins. According to the scriptures that

he was buried and that he rose again the third day, according

to the scriptures In this passage Paul gives a little

definition of the Gospel. People, it's something to be

preached. It's something to be received,

something to standed, and something to be saved, by that.

Something to hold fast, unless we believed in vain Paul says,

and Our Gospel is that Christ died for our sins.

According to the scriptures, he was buried according to the

scriptures and he rose the third day.

According to the scriptures, keep that passage in mine.

And we'll go now to Romans chapter 6, and verse 17, And in

Romans 6 · chapter mention

Romans, 6:17. Paul say to the Brethren who are

at Rome, but God be thanked. That though, you were slaves of

sin, you obeyed from the heart that form of Doctrine to which

he were delivered. What was the doctor?

And I was delivered to the Brethren.

That Rome was the same doctor and I was delivered to the

Corinthians. It was the Gospel that Christ

died for our sins. He was buried and that he rose

again. The third day, Paul says that

they obeyed. A form of that, what is a form.

I have a couple examples here and a power points whenever

you're making. Ting.

This is called a bundt cake here.

It's a very unique tank and that you pour the batter into this

uniquely shaped pan here. You bake it and then you flip it

over and it takes the form or it takes the mold of the pain that

you've baked it in or if you're a little bit of a carpenter,

like I am one of the classes I had to take when I was getting

my associates degree, in construction was concrete and

forms. The idea of concrete and forms

is that you build a little form here.

Here, these are called form boards, you set them up and then

you place your Concrete in it and concrete hardens, you take

away the boards and it takes the form or takes the shape of the

boards that you place the concrete in.

All right? Gives you an idea of what a form

is and Paul says that they will bait a form of the doctor.

Now, let's delivered to them. How did they do that?

What we go back to Romans chapter 6?

Romans 6 · chapter mention

Verse 33 4 and here. We'll see how you obey a form of

the death burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Paul says, in Romans 6:3 through four, or do you not know that as

Romans 6:3

many of us as were baptized into Christ?

Jesus were baptized into his death.

Therefore we were buried with him through baptism into death

that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of

the father. Even so we also should walk in

newness of life that's to obey the gospel to be guided by.

God's counsel we're going to obey a form of the Gospel.

That gospel is Jesus died. He was buried, he rose again, we

obey a form of that by putting to death, the man of sin were

buried with him and that watery grave of baptism and we rise to

walk in newness of life and that is how one obeys the gospel

fourth though, to live Faithfully is to be guided by

God's counsel and Romans chapter 6.

Romans 6 · chapter mention

And verse 4. We just read that from baptism

one Rises to walk in newness of life.

And then, it's time for the Christian to get busy.

You know, we read in the New Testament, the gospels.

There are four books called the gospels, which we learn of

Jesus. His wife is his death and his

burial. We learn things such as that,

the things that he taught things that he wanted to be enacted in

his kingdom and John says, that these things have been written.

He says in John chapter 20, verse 33 31, these things have

been written that we may believe that Jesus Christ is the son.

Son of God and that believing you may have life in his name.

After the gospels, we come to the book of Acts, the book of

Acts is a history showing the establishment of the church as

well as many examples of conversion by which people acted

on the counsel of God by believing and by being baptized.

And then there are the Epistles or letters.

And these teach us how to live the Christian Life.

How to worship God and how to continue to allow the Council of

God to govern our lives. For example, one of the Whistles

is second Peter and in second Peter chapter 1 verse 5 through

2 Peter 1:5–11

11, the Christian, who has been baptized is instructed to give

all diligence add to your faith virtue to Virtue knowledge to

knowledge, self-control to self-control perseverance,

perseverance godliness, to Godliness brotherly, kindness

and to brotherly. Kindness love for if these

things are yours and abound we will be neither Barren or

unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

For He Who lacks these things is short-sighted even The blindness

and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins,

therefore Brethren be even more diligent to make your call and

election. Sure.

For, if you do these things, you will never stumble, for cell and

entrance will be supplied. You abundantly into the

Everlasting Kingdom of our Lord and Savior.

Jesus Christ. So we've talked about in great

detail, what the counsel of God is, and what it means to be

guided by it. But why do we want to be

received into the glory of God? They're wonderful reasons.

Why what glorious things await those that are Guided by God's

cow? Council, they're wonderful

things that I take great joy and I take great comfort in and I

hope to share with them with you this afternoon.

First of all, those that are Guided by God's counsel, our

promise to Glorious body and Philippians chapter 3 verse 20

Philippians 3:20–21

through 21. Paul says, our citizenship is in

heaven from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the

Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it

may be conformed to his glorious body, according to the working

by which he is able even to subdue all things to himself or

detail can be given on this from First Corinthians chapter 15 but

1 Corinthians 15 · chapter mention

a glorious body awaits, those Guided by God's counsel.

That's something the certainly look forward to and a good

motivator for why we want to be guided by.

God's counsel but secondly a glorious Crown awaits those

Guided by God's counsel, you know, Peter was speaking to

elders and First Peter Chapter 5 Verse 33 for, and here's what he

says to the elders. He says not to be Lords over

those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.

And when the chief Shepherd appears, he will receive the

Crown of Glory that does not fade away.

And I realized that he speaks to Elders here, but being Guided by

God's counsel. So by being faithful,

Christians, and good examples after baptism is what Jesus

said. He would reward this glorious

crown for and Revelation 2:10. He says be faithful until death

Revelation 2:10

and I will give you the crown of life, but third glorious

inheritance. Awaits, those that were Guided

by God's counsel and Ephesians chapter 1 and verse 18.

Ephesians 1 · chapter mention

Paul would say the eyes of your understanding being enlightened

that you may know what is the hope of his calling, what are

the riches of the glory of his inheritance?

And the Saints, these are wonderful things.

There things to take great joy and great comfort in.

I look forward to these things and I look forward to seeing you

receive them as well. So if you've not been Guided by

God's counsel, I want to encourage you to do that this

afternoon. How are things with you?

Would you like to say that I am Guided by God's counsel and will

receive these glorious things. We've talked about, you can do

that now, by obeying. It we just read in Mark 16:16

Mark 16:16

that he who believes and is baptized, will be saved.

But he, who does not believe will be condemned.

Paul would say in Acts 17:30, to those that He preached at the

Acts 17:30

areopagus, that God commands, all men everywhere, that

includes yourself this afternoon and that includes myself.

He commands them to repent, but it is to change our lives,

living a life of sin to living the Christian Life and Matthew

Matthew 10:32

10:32. Jesus said, whoever confesses me

before men him will. I also can pass before my father

who is in heaven and that confession and acts 8:37 is.

Acts 8:37

I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

And then we've already read in 1st Peter, chapter 3 and verse

21. There's an antitype which now

saves us baptism and In baptism, we replicate the death burial

and resurrection of Our Lord. Would you like to be guided by

God's counsel this afternoon? We thank you for listening to

our podcast, put on by the Church of Christ at 22:15 plans.

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