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Our Privilege

Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh

Every nation has its privileged class, often seen as royalty, political figures, or the wealthy, regardless of their character. With privilege comes power, as to be privileged means to be favored, granted benefits, or given special advantages and immunity denied to others. Privilege is not limited to nations; nearly every village and hamlet has those whose names carry its power. It is generally viewed as the possession of wealth or influence, where the privileged are movers, shakers, and trendsetters whom others imitate or seek to please. Sometimes privilege is inherited, residing in families of longtime wealth and status, whose influence is significant. Often, the privileged are seen as stodgy, protecting their position to further their interests, though privilege can be more widespread than commonly thought. The privilege of sight and hearing, possessed by the overwhelming majority, is a fundamental advantage, while some are denied these abilities. The privileged, or the haves, are obligated to assist the have-nots, a principle with roots in caring for those less endowed. God's laws require care for widows, orphans, the poor, and foreigners, emphasizing that privilege brings responsibility. The tithing and offering system reflects this, as God owns the earth and provides for us, the less advantaged, obligating us to return a portion to Him. Because He has privileged us with knowledge of Him, His purpose, and redemption, we are required to give offerings as well. The more we are given, the greater our obligation becomes; to whom much is given, much is required. God's blessings often increase responsibility, granting the privilege to serve and glorify Him in greater capacity. Within institutions like the church, family, or business, those privileged to be part of the body have a responsibility to care for all members, ensuring no schism and sharing in both suffering and honor. Leadership must care for those under them, not viewing them as burdens. Our calling is a privilege, a blessing that enables us to glorify God, carrying responsibilities we may not have been aware of before. Fulfilling these responsibilities glorifies Him. We should be thankful for privileges like physical and spiritual sight and hearing, recognizing the responsibility they bear. Giving, whether in offerings or knowledge, is itself a privilege tied to the blessings we receive. Israel's greatest privilege was being chosen by God, known uniquely among all families of the earth, a distinction no other nation shared. This privilege, marked by God's covenant and direct revelation, brought with it accountability for their iniquities. Similarly, we stand in a privileged position, blessed to see and hear God's Word with understanding, a privilege extended through the superior terms of the New Covenant. Awareness of this privilege should fill us with wonder, awe, and overflowing thankfulness. Yet, failure to uphold the responsibilities of privilege can lead to severe consequences, as seen with Israel. We must choose whether to view privilege as a grudging duty or a blessing to be thankfully pursued, knowing that God loves a cheerful giver, valuing thoughtful and grateful consideration of His blessings over the amount given.

Privilege, Responsibility, and Judgment

Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Our welfare programs have scriptural principles as their general inspiration, but they have been abused, encouraging dependency which God never intended.

Privileges of the Temple of God

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The Church is a building which has been constructed from the foundation of the world, fashioned incrementally stone by stone, layer by layer, member-by-member.

Privileges of the Family of God

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. Collins

It is impossible to be a Christian without being a child of God. When we are in God's family, we have distinct privileges.

The Eternal Privileges of the Bride

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Just as a bride gains a new identity, name, and inheritance through marriage, God's chosen saints, share Christ's very life, glory, and eternal prospects.

Grace, Mercy, and Favor (Part Two)

Sermonette by Mark Schindler

Rather than considering God's calling a badge of righteousness, the child of God must consider it to be a call to action, motivating him to yield and glorify God.

Grace, Mercy, and Favor (Part One): To the Beaten

Sermon by Mark Schindler

God's people may fall into the trap of forgetting the sinful past from which God rescued them and come to look disdainfully on those not yet called.

Grace, Mercy, and Favor (Part Four): Favor to Live as God Lives

Sermon by Mark Schindler

We earn God's favor by obedience; there is a direct tie between submission to His will and His favor. The more one submits, the more favor and grace accrues.

Marriage and the Bride of Christ (Part Ten)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Many have carried the baggage of the world into God's Church. We need to gain an appreciation of the privileges Christ has bestowed on His Church.

For the Love of God

Sermonette by Austin Del Castillo

We are royalty, part of the highest Family in all creation. We can take great comfort in knowing who it is we really are and that the Father greatly values us.

Themes of I Corinthians (Part 5)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

I Corinthians gives ready instruction in the order and decorum that is fitting for church organization, as well as the Passover and weekly service.

Elements of a Thanksgiving Offering

Sermonette by Martin G. Collins

Failing to be thankful is a sign of faithlessness. The thanksgiving offering is to be emblematic of joy, freely given, and done as a privilege.

Sanctification and Holiness (Part 2)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Dathan and Korah agitated for a democratization of priestly responsibilities. God shows that not everybody set apart is holy in the same way.

Ambassadors for Christ

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

We are sojourners, pilgrims, aliens, and ambassadors, living among, yet separate from, the peoples of this present world. We must be loyal to our spiritual family.

Government (Part Four)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

For us to take on the glory of God, we must have the same kind of access to the Father as Christ did, taking on the responsibility of behaving like His sons.

The Spirit of Bondage

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

God did not give us a spirit of fear or bondage. Faith is the antidote to a spirit of slavish cowardice and timidity, the opposite of boldness from the Holy Spirit.