A TIME TO CAST AWAY STONES, AND A TIME TO GATHER STONES
INTRODUCTION
A. Ecclesiastes 3:1 1. The words of the Preacher (1:1), Solomon, inform us that a time is available for every event that transpires in the lives of men.
2. We began this a few weeks ago, and continue it now.
B. Ecclesiastes 3:5a-b Our study resumes at this time with a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones.
I. A TIME TO CAST AWAY STONES
A. Old Testament
1. 2nd Corinthians 3:1-18; Exodus 24:12; 31:18; 34:29-35 The Old Testament was written on stones, which Law we are compelled to do away with.
2. Hebrews 8:7-13; Jeremiah 31:31-34 Commenting on Jeremiahs prophecy, the Hebrew writer identifies the Law of Moses as old and obsolete.
3. Galatians 3:23-25 The Old Testament served its purpose, to bring us to Christ.
4. Matthew 5:17-18; Romans 10:4 That Covenant, being fulfilled, has its end in Christ.
5. Romans 15:4; 1st Corinthians 10:11 While it is still useful in some ways, the Law engraved on stones is no longer binding.
B. Jerusalem Temple
1. Luke 19:41-44 Observing the temple at Jerusalem, Jesus remarked that its stones would not remain intact.
2. Matthew 24:1-35 He prophesied fully concerning the destruction of the whole city of Jerusalem.
3. John 4:19-24 No matter; the place of our worship is in spirit, not in Jerusalem.
C. Idolatry
1. Habakkuk 2:19-20 Compared to the majesty of God on high, idols of stone or wood are just stupid.
2. Exodus 20:3-5 The Law of Moses forbade gods other than the God.
3. Romans 1:20-23 It is utter futility to worship corruptible creatures, rather than the Creator Himself.
4. Galatians 5:19-21 Idolatry is included among the works of the flesh that preclude entrance into the kingdom of God.
5. Colossians 3:5-6 Idolatry amounts to anything being placed before God; covetousness certainly qualifies.
6. Acts 17:16-31 The answer to those engaged in idolatry is to inform them of the God they yet do not know.
7. 1st Thessalonians 1:9-10 Idols must be abandoned in order to serve the genuine God.
8. 2nd Corinthians 6:14-18 Those in fellowship with God must shun all things connected to idolatry.
D. Impediments To Faithfulness
1. Matthew 13:3-6, 20-21; Luke 8:5-6, 13 Stones may represent a failure to overcome tribulations or temptations.
2. 2nd Timothy 3:12; Matthew 5:10-12 As Christians, however, we must learn to live with persecution.
3. 1st Corinthians 10:13; James 1:12 Temptations are always escapable, and we will be rewarded if we succeed.
4. Acts 14:21-22; 2nd Timothy 2:11-12 The only way to heaven is by enduring difficulty.
E. Christs Tomb
1. Matthew 27:57-28:8 The resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, His triumph over death, was revealed by an angel casting away a stone.
2. Romans 1:1-4 Jesus power over death proves Him to be Gods Son.
3. Acts 2:22-39; 4:2, 33; 17:18 We are duty-bound to teach on this most vital subject.
4. Romans 6:3-6; 1st Peter 3:21 We must be baptized for our salvation into Christ, in order to share in the likeness of His resurrection.
5. 1st Peter 1:3; Romans 14:9; 1st Thessalonians 4:14 Our hope of eternal life rests in the fact of His resurrection!
II. A TIME TO GATHER STONES
A. Temple Of Christ
1. 1st Peter 2:4-5 As living stones, Christians must be gathered together in the church to be effective.
2. Ephesians 2:19-22
3. 1st Corinthians 3:9-17
4. Matthew 16:13-18 Christs church is built on the rock of Peters confession, that Jesus is the Christ, Gods Son.
5. Matthew 7:24-27 We must build on the Rock!
B. Memorials
1. Joshua 4:1-9, 19-24 The Israelites gathered stones in Joshuas time to serve as a memorial to future generations that the people were led by an awesome God.
2. Many memorials were instituted with the express purpose of educating youth.
a. Exodus 12:21-28
b. Exodus 13:11-16
c. Deuteronomy 6:20-25
d. Deuteronomy 6:6-9
CONCLUSION
A. Cast away the stones of:
1. Old Testament worship.
2. Impediments to faithfulness.
3. Christs empty tomb.
B. Gather the stones of:
1. Believers.
2. Memorials of God.
By Bryan Matthew Dockens
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