SERMON SEEDS F39 FOR 12/16/02
Posted by: jpeters <jpeters@...>
WELCOME TO
SERMON SEEDS FOR DECEMBER 16, 2002 http://www.sermonseeds.orgTO SUBSCRIBE - Send a blank e-mail to:
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sermonseeds-unsubscribe@welovegod.orgOver the years on Sermon Seeds I have shared many Christmas Outlines. This is the third of three editions of Sermon Seeds that repeat these Christmas Outlines. These three issues of Sermon Seeds combined cover just about all my Christmas Outlines in print on the web. If you already have these, just delete them. If you don't, I trust that they will be helpful.
Remember that these are only outlines. You will have to work to give your congregation some real meat!
PLEASE PASS THESE SEEDS ON TO OTHERS!
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Matthew 1:18-25
NAZARETH NARRATIVE
A PREGNANCY - Vs. 18
A PROBLEM - Vs. 19
A PROCLAMATION - Vss. 20-21
A PROPHECY - Vss. 22-23
A PERFORMANCE Vss. 24-25
Joseph did as he was told.
In a sense of the word, Joseph is the unsung hero of Christmas, who trusted what God had to say, and obeyed!
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Matthew 1&2
THE UNSUNG HERO OF CHRISTMAS
We hear much about the virgin, the angels, the shepherds, and the wise men.
All of these, of course, can be considered "heroes", in a sense, because of their roles in the Christmas Story. However, we tend to forget God's servant, Joseph, who valiantly served His God. To me, he is the unsung hero of Christmas.
HE WAS A SPIRITUAL MAN 1:19
We are shown here that Joseph was both just and compassionate.
HE WAS SENSITIVE MAN 1:20-23, 2:13, 19, 21
Four times we are told that God spoke to Joseph in a dream.
He was sensitive to God's leading in his life.
HE WAS A SUBMISSIVE MAN 1:24-25, 2:14-15, 21-23
Joseph was not a free thinker. He simply did as God instructed Him.
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MATTHEW 1-2
THE MEN OF CHRISTMAS
There are several men who are very much a part of the Christmas story in the Gospel of Matthew. From some of them we learn negative lessons, and from some we learn positive lessons.
JOSEPH - A TRUSTED MAN
Not just any man could be trusted to be the guardian of the Son of God! Notice 3 qualities that make Joseph a trusted man.
1. He was just. Vss. 18-19
2. He was compassionate. Vs. 19 - Not willing to publicly expose what he thought was Mary's sin, he would privately divorce her.
3. He was obedient. Matthew 1:20-25, 2:13-15, 2:19-23
HEROD - A TREACHEROUS MAN
Herod wanted the wise men to find the Christ Child, and report back to him. He said he wanted to worship Him, but he wanted to kill Him.
Notice his act towards the children of Bethlehem. 2:1-8, 16-18
THE PEOPLE OF JERUSALEM - TROUBLED MEN
When Herod was troubled, the whole city of Jerusalem was troubled too. Probably this was because when Herod was troubled, he troubled others. But being troubled would also be an indication of unbelief.
Where was the joy that Israel's Messiah was born? Matthew 2:1-3
When there is unbelief, there is trouble! Hebrews 11:6
THE WISE MEN - THOUGHTFUL MEN
1. Thoughtful to visit. Matthew 2:1-2
2. Thoughtful to worship. Matthew 2:11
3. Thoughtful to share. Matthew 2:11
4. Thoughtful to obey. Matthew 2:12
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Matthew 2:1-12
WISE MEN STILL
There are many wise people mentioned in the Bible.
There were Enoch and Noah, wise enough to walk with God.
There was Ruth, wise enough to say to her Jewish mother-in-law,
"...for whither thou goest I will go; and whither thou lodgest, I will
lodge; Thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God; (Ruth 1:16)
There was Andrew, who was wise enough to bring people to Jesus.
There was David, who was wise enough to say "The Lord is my shepherd, I
shall not want."
There was Martha, wise enough entertain Jesus in her home.
There was Martha's sister, Mary, wise enough to set at Jesus feet and hear
his word.
And, of course, there were the three wise men, who came to Jesus when he was
born.
There are still wise men (and women) today. God is looking for wise men who
will imitate the qualities of the wise men of Matthew 2.
WISE MEN STILL COME - Vss. 1-10
WISE MEN STILL WORSHIP - Vss. 2, 11
WISE MEN STILL GIVE - Vs. 11
WISE MEN STILL LISTEN - Vs. 12
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Matthew 2:1-14
THE RESULTS OF CHRISTMAS
Christmas effects people in different ways. We see this in the story of the Wise Men.
THE WISE MEN HAD A PURPOSE - Vss. 1-2
They came to worship the newborn King of the Jews. We should have the same attitude at Christmas. We are to worship Him. Now we worship Him as our Redeemer, Lord, and friend.
HEROD HAD A PROBLEM - Vs. 3, 7-8
Herod was troubled, and wicked king that he was, he troubled everyone else when he was troubled!
After inquiring of the priests and scribes, Herod sent the Wise Men to Bethlehem to see the King and report back. He claimed to want to worship Jesus. He wanted to kill Him. There are people today who still have a problem with Jesus. They want to destroy Him and His followers.
THE RELIGIOUS LEADERS HAD A PROPHECY - Vss. 4-6
This is interesting. The religious leaders knew their Bibles. They know what the Scripture said about the birth of their King, and yet they did nothing to respond. Evidently they either didn't believe it, or were afraid of King Herod. Today there are many ministers who claim to be Christ's servants, who don't believe God's Word concerning the Virgin Birth of Christ and many other key doctrines.
THE WISE MEN HAD A POTENTATE (KING) - Vss. 9-11
They worshiped Him.
They gave Him gifts.
Let us worship Him.
Let us give Him gifts of money for His work (gold) sweet smelling prayers of adoration and requests (frankincense), sacrificial service (myrrh).
JESUS HAD PROTECTION - Vss. 12-15
God warned both the Wise Men and Joseph.
HEROD HAD PERVERSION - Vss. 16-18
What a terrible crime!
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Luke 1:13 etc.
"FEAR NOT!"
One of the great messages of the Bible is that those who fear and trust God completely have nothing to fear. Many times God says to his followers, "Fear Not". Consider that this message is stated four different times in the Christmas Account. God says "Fear not" to:
1. A DESPERATE OLD MAN - Luke 1:13 (Luke 1:5-25)
Zecharias so desperately wanted a son that he was probably praying for one, when he was supposed to be praying for the people. When we are desperate, God says to us "Fear not".
2. A DISTINCT YOUNG WOMAN - Luke 1:30 (Luke 1:26-38)
Mary was distinct because she was chosen to be the mother of the Messiah. We are distinct as Christians because we the children of God, and have nothing to fear except God (Luke 12:4-5). Because we are distinct, God says to us, "Fear not".
3. A DISAPPOINTED YOUNG MAN - Matthew. 1:20 (Matthew. 1:18-25) - Joseph was disappointed because he thought his bride to be was unfaithful. God's message to "fear not", assured Joseph that all was well. Often through our disappointments we will hear God say,
"Fear not."
4. DEDICATED SERVANTS - Luke 2:10 (Luke 2:8-14)
The shepherds were just doing their jobs, watching their flocks by night. Something special happened to them on the job. The angel appeared, and they were told to "fear not". As we faithfully serve the
Lord, and a surprise occurs, we will hear the Lord saying "Fear not."
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Luke 2:1-20
THAT'S MARVELOUS!
THE MARVELOUS ACT OF GOD Vss. 1-7
THE MARVELOUS ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE ANGELS Vss. 8-14
THE MARVELOUS ACTIVITY OF THE SHEPHERDS Vss. 15-20
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Luke 2:1-20
LET'S MEET THE ORIGINAL CAST!
Each year at this time there are countless Christmas programs. There have been many people who have played the parts of Mary and Joseph, angels, and shepherds. But we can't improve on the original cast of characters who played themselves one night almost 2,000 years ago.
Let's meet them, and the roles they played.
GOD'S PERFECTED PLAN Vss. 1-3, 6-7
JOSEPH'S SUBMISSIVE SERVICE Vs. 4
THE ANGELS' PRAISING PROCLAMATION Vss. 8-14
THE SHEPHERDS' ENTHUSIASTIC EVANGELISM Vss. 15-18, 20
1. They heard.
2. They believed. Vss. 15-16
3. They shared. Vss. 17-18
4. They rejoiced Vs.20
MARY'S REFLECTIVE REMEMBRANCES Vs. 19
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Luke 2:1-20
DR. LUKE TELLS US ABOUT CHRISTMAS
Luke was a doctor, and under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, a great story teller. Here is Luke's Christmas tale. (This basic outline is very general, so you can pray, study the passage, and come up with your own elaboration of the outline.)
THE BABY ARRIVES Vss. 1-7
THE ANGELS ANNOUNCE Vss. 8-14
THE SHEPHERDS ATTEND Vss. 15-20
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Luke 2:1-20
GOD COMPLETES HIS PLAN
The birth of the Lord Jesus was a completion of God's plan that had been promised in the Old Testament (Isaiah 7:14, 9:6, Micah 5:2).
GOD'S PRODUCTION - Vss. 1-5
God had promised that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem. God used Caesar Augustus in order to get Joseph and Mary to the right place at the right time. God's timing is always perfect.
GOD'S PRESENT - Vss. 6-7
God's greatest gift to man was born! Isaiah 9:6, John 3:16
GOD'S PROCLAMATION - Vss. 8-14
Like any proud father, God made sure that the right people knew about the birth of His Son!
He used angels to tell the humble shepherds out on the hillside.
GOD'S PRESENTATION - Vss. 15-20
God presented the shepherds with a look at His baby boy. They spread the word!
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Luke 2:10-14
MESSAGE OF THE ANGELS
A PEACEFUL MESSAGE - "Fear not, for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy..."
A PERSONAL MESSAGE - "...for unto you..."
A PRACTICAL MESSAGE - "...is born...a savior, which is Christ the Lord."
A PRAISE WORTHY MESSAGE - Vss. 13-14
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Luke 2:21-35
SIMEON
INTRODUCTION - Vss. 21-24
A PROMISE - Vss. 25-26
A Godly man, Simeon was promised that he would not die until he saw the Messiah.
A PERSON - Vss. 27-33
Please note that God's salvation is found in a person, the Lord Jesus Christ.
When Simeon saw God's salvation, he had seen Jesus. Vs. 30
A PROPHECY - Vss. 34-35
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Luke 2 & Matthew 2
PUTTING CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS
I suggest that you begin this message by quoting some popular Christmas songs, and ask what is missing in these songs. I suggest you might use, "Silver Bells", "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas", "I'm dreaming Of A White Christmas," or "Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire" (That's probably not the right title, but you know what song I mean.)
These songs are great songs, and fun to sing, but there is something missing. Actually, there is someone missing. It's the Lord Jesus Christ. Today in our schools, our communities, and even our homes, Christ is crowded out. May we never be guilty of leaving Christ out of his own birthday celebration!
WHEN CHRIST IS IN CHRISTMAS THERE IS ROOM. - Luke 2:7, Matthew 2:1-3
Because of overcrowded conditions, there was no room for Jesus in the inn.
Because of the hostility of King Herod, there was no room for Jesus after his birth.
Let's make sure there is room for Him in our hearts, in our prayers, and in our celebration.
Our Christmas tradition is to read the story of Christ's birth before any presents are opened.
WHEN CHRIST IS IN CHRISTMAS THERE IS JOY. - Luke 2:8-11, 20
We should be joyful because of the birth of the Savior.
We should also note that the angel said, "Fear not." When we live in fear, we will not have joy.
WHEN CHRIST IS IN CHRISTMAS THERE IS PEACE. - Luke 2:13-14
Peace comes through the Lord Jesus Christ. See Romans 5:1, Philippians 2:3-4, Isaiah 26:3-4
WHEN CHRIST IS IN CHRISTMAS THERE IS FAITH. - Luke 2:15-18, Matthew 2:1-2
The shepherds and the wise men expressed their faith by going to see the baby.
It is only through faith in Christ that we have eternal life. Ephesians 2:8-9, John 3:16
It is only through faith in Christ that we can live the victorious Christian life. Galatians 2:20, Hebrews 11:6.
WHEN CHRIST IS IN CHRISTMAS THERE ARE GIFTS. - Matthew 2:11
The wise men brought gifts to the Savior.
We can bring gifts to Him as well. Remember that there is joy in giving.
We can bring Spiritual gifts such as obedience and faithfulness.
We can bring physical gifts by giving to the needy and to missions in His name.
Make sure you put Christ in Christmas!
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John 1:29-39
FRIENDLY REMINDERS
I introduced the message with "Can This Be Christmas?" a poem by M.R. DeHann. You can find this poem at bible.org/illus/c/c-59.htm#TopOfPage. You'll have to scroll down. (If you are on Juno, I will gladly send you a copy of this poem, if you request it.)
At this time of year, we need some friendly reminders of the true meaning of
Christmas. Although John 1:29-39 is not a Christmas text, we are reminded
of three important facts to keep in mind as we approach Christmas.
THE PRICE THAT JESUS PAID Vss. 29-34
In Vs. 29 John calls Jesus "The lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the
world."
When the Jews offered sacrificial lambs to God as sacrifices they were
supposed to be without blemish or spot.
The lambs offered in Old Testament sacrifices were pictures of God's lamb
who came to die for the sins of the World. (See Isaiah 53, Romans 5:6-8)
This is a friendly reminder to place your faith in Christ, if you have not
already (Romans 5:1). It is also a friendly reminder to Christians to
appreciate the price that Jesus paid for sins that we might have life!
THE PRIORITY OF JESUS' PRESENCE Vss. 35-37
Two disciples of John The Baptist, Andrew and John, started to follow Jesus.
Jesus asks an important question. He says "What seekest thou?", or "What are
you looking for?" People are looking for a lot of different things today
such as money, fame, comfort, pleasure, sexual gratification, family,
security, and a host of other things. We should ask ourselves, "What am I
looking for? What is the priority of my life?"
In answer to the Jesus' question the disciples answered "Master, where
dwellest thou?", or "Where are you living?" They wanted to be in fellowship
with the one who John the Baptist just identified as "The Lamb of God."
In asking this question, they were asking for three things.
Location - They wanted to be where Jesus was.
Learning - As disciples, they wanted to learn from Him.
Likeness - As disciples, they wanted to be like the one they were following.
As disciples of the Lord Jesus, we too should want to be where Jesus is,
want to learn from him, and want to be like Him. (See John 3:2-3)
THE PRACTICE OF JESUS' PRESENCE Vs. 39
Jesus invited these disciples to "Come and see."
As disciples of the Lord Jesus today, if we come to Him, we will:
1. See that He dwells within. - Galatians 2:20, John 15:1-7
Through the Spirit of God, Jesus lives inside of this.
Because of this we should allow Him to live His life through us.
2. See that He dwells in the Word. - John 5:39
We find Jesus as we search out the Word of God.
3. See that He dwells in the church.
Other Christians also have the Lord Jesus inside of them.
We can learn more about Jesus as we see the reality of our Lord living in
the lives of other Christians.
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Various Texts
Christmas Is
CHRISTMAS IS DIFFERENT
1. Because of the Virgin Birth - Isaiah 7:14
2. Because of the announcement by the angels - Luke 2:9, 13
3. Because of the visit by the Wise Men - Matthew 2:1-12
CHRISTMAS IS DELIGHTFUL
Because of who was born - Isaiah 9:6, Luke 2:10-11
CHRISTMAS IS DESTINY
The One born was destined to die for the sins of the world, be buried and rise again. - Isaiah 53, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
CHRISTMAS IS DECISION TIME
Each person must decide what he will do about God's offer of salvation through Christ. - Acts 4:12, John 3:16-18
WHAT WILL YOU DO WITH THE LORD JESUS CHRIST?
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CHRISTMASTIME
Various Texts
In most countries Christmastime is a special time. There are all sorts of traditions, parties, presents, music, and good cheer. It is very easy for people to forget the real meaning of Christmas. We need to remember that:
CHRISTMASTIME IS A TIME OF VISIONS (PROPHECIES FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT)
Isaiah 7:14
Isaiah 9:6
Micah 5:2
CHRISTMASTIME IS A TIME OF VISITS.
By Angels - Luke 1:5-20, Luke 1:26-38, Luke 2:9-14, Matthew 1:18-23, Matthew 2:13
By Shepherds - Luke 2:15-20
By Wise Men - Matthew 2
CHRISTMASTIME IS A TIME OF VICTORY
Victory Over Sin - Luke 2:11
Victory Over Satan - Matthew 2 - Satan through Herod, could not kill the Messiah.
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Various Texts
THE FIRST CHRISTMAS GIFTS
Christmas is a time of giving! It's no wonder! Think of how many gifts were given the first Christmas!
1. GOD GAVE HIS SON - Isaiah 9:6, John 3:16
2. JESUS GAVE HIMSELF - Philippians 2:5-11
3. MARY AND JOSEPH GAVE SERVICE
It was Mary and Joseph who took care of the Lord Jesus and endured false accusations about Mary's morality.
4. THE ANGELS AND SHEPHERDS GAVE TESTIMONIES - Luke 2:8-20
5. THE WISE MEN GAVE THEIR WORSHIP, TIME AND POSSESSIONS - Matthew 2:1-11
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