Quote from Forum Archives on November 3, 2003, 3:00 pm

Posted by: jpeters <jpeters@...>

WELCOME TO SERMON SEEDS FOR NOVEMBER 3, 2003

 

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PASTOR MAIL is a mailing list for male pastors.  The purpose of the list is to share sermons, outlines, illustrations and prayer requests.  To subscribe send a blank email to pastormail-subscribe@associate.com

 

MOUNT UNION ECHOES is a mailing list that includes a full text sermon from Pastor Jack Peters.  To subscribe send a blank email to mountunionechoes-subscribe@welovegod.org

 

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This week’s Sermon Seeds includes two outlines previously given on 2 Chronicles 18 and Jeremiah 15:16. However, there are many more notes with the outlines this time.  The rest of the outlines this week are previously shared ones, but you might have missed them.

 

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2 Chronicles 18

FORGOTTEN FACE OF COURAGEOUS MAN

Forgotten Faces - #7 of 10

 

In the Bible, the prophet Micaiah is the forgotten face of a courageous man. 

Courage, the ability to stand for what you know to be right, is a Biblical Principal. Joshua 1:7,9,

Psalm 27, Galatians 5:1

 

A great model for us to follow when we need courage is that of the prophet Micaiah.

 

THE HATED PROPHET - Vss. 1-7

 

When you are courageous, especially making a stand for the Lord Jesus and/or what is right, it is likely that you will be dislike or even hated.

 

Vs. 1 – We are introduced to two kings.

             Jehosaphat was a Godly king.  He loved the Lord

             and served him, mostly well.

 

Ahab was an ungodly king.  He and his wicked wife Jezebel wrecked havoc on Israel. 1 Kings 16:30-33,

 

Jehosaphat made the mistake of forming an alliance with Ahab.  When believers and unbelievers are in intimate relationship the Lord is displeased. 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1

 

God was not pleased with the alliance that Jehosaphat formed with Ahab. Read 2 Corinthians 19:1-3  

 

Vs. 2-3 - Ahab and Jehosaphat got together. Ahab convinced Jehosaphat to got with him to a border town named Ramoth-gilead to try and reclaim it for Israel.   

 

Vss. 3-4 – Jehosaphat consented, but then asked about God’s

                  guidance. He wanted King Ahab to ask about the

                  word of the Lord.

Jehosaphat wanted to make sure that they were in the will of the Lord before they went forward.  That’s a good thing to do. However, it would have been better, if he had first checked with God before he said he would go with Ahab.

 

Vs. 5 – King Ahab’s prophets who claimed to prophesy for the Lord promised a victory.  They were unanimous, but they were not truly God’s prophets.  You might recall that Israel was involved in idol worship, worshipping two golden calves that had been set up.  Also, the worship of Jezebel’s gods was also being practiced.

 

Vs. 6 – I think Jehosaphat, who had Spiritual insight, realized these were not prophets of the Lord. He asked if there was another prophet who could be consulted.

 

Vs. 7 – Ahab begrudgingly concedes that there is another prophet available.  There was. Don’t you just love Ahab’s frankness?  “There’s another prophet, but I hate him. He never has anything good to say about me or to me.”

 

Ahab was looking for “yes men” like his 400 prophets.

He wanted his prophets to say “yes” to his plans.  Ahab really didn’t want to hear from God.  He just wanted God to bless Ahab’s own plans.

 

That’s exactly what a lot of people are looking for in ministers today.  They are looking for preachers who will just tell them what they want to hear.

 

Ahab hated Micaiah because Micaiah told the truth.

He didn’t tickle the Ahab’s ears.  He had a message from God, and he delivered it.

 

And let me tell you something else.  When you tell God’s truth, not everyone will like it.  Some will hate you, because you represent a righteousness they don’t have.

 

I have had people angry at me, because I told the truth.  Every pastor since Pastor Cunnings has had folk angry at them because they told the truth.

 

If you are a Christian who is trying to live a godly life there will be a time when you are hated for Christ’s sake. John 15:18-19

 

THE HONEST PROPHET - Vss. 8-22

   

Vs. 9 – There are those who feel that Micaiah was already in custody when he was called to prophesy before Ahab.

 

Vss. 10-11 – Meanwhile the false prophets put on quite a show.  One guy, Zedekiah, even gave an object lesson, making phony horns and using them to illustrate Ahab’s supposed victory.

 

What was wrong with these prophets?

They were not telling the truth.

They were deceived. They were foolish. Ezekiel 13:3

 

When we teach for the Lord, preach for the Lord, or give counsel for the Lord we must be careful to make sure that we have been in touch with the Lord so that we’ll say what He wants us to say.    

 

Vs. 12 – I think this messenger means well.  He probably didn’t want to see Micaiah get in any more trouble than he was already in.  He probably was a peace loving sort, who thought if Micaiah just spouted the “party line” all would be well.

 

But could it be that this messenger doubted that anyone spoke for God.  If the messenger really thought that Micaiah spoke for God, he would not have suggested that Micaiah would alter what God would say.

 

Vs. 13 – Micaiah was stubborn. He was saying, “That as surely as God is alive, I will speak what he tells me to speak.”

 

That is courage.

That is honesty.

That is conviction.

That is integrity.

 

Sometimes when we are asked our opinion, we will hedge, because we don’t want to hurt feelings.  But if we know God’s opinion on something according to His word, we should be honest and share God’s opinion.

 

Vs. 14 – Please understand that Micaiah is being sarcastic.

              The way he said it, made it perfectly clear to Ahab

               that he didn’t mean what he said.

 

Vs. 15 – Ahab has either heard Micaiah use a sarcastic approach before, or he was trying to look good in front of King Jehosaphat.  Ahab claims that he wants the truth.

 

Vss. 16 – In this case the shepherd of Israel would have been Ahab.  The people were scattered and told to return home in peace.  Ahab would be removed.  Ahab claimed to want the truth and he got it.

 

Vs. 17 – Ahab tells Jehosaphat, “I told you so.”  He always

               gives me bad news.

 

Vss. 18-22 - God through Micaiah answers an obvious question.  Why is it only Micaiah who is predicting doom and not all of Ahab’s prophets?  It’s because a false message was given to false prophets. Psalm 18:25-26

 

And before you get upset with God for deceiving Ahab, please realize that Ahab was told by Micaiah that he was deceived.  Ahab had opportunity to believe Micaiah and not listen to his deceiving prophets.  And that was the problem. They were Ahab’s prophets and not God’s.

 

The world has prophets today that tell the world what it wants to hear about morals, about sex, about alcohol, about abortion, and even about God.

 

THE HUMILIATED PROPHET - Vss. 23-27

 

Honest people are not always honored by the world.

Sometimes they are humiliated.

 

Vss. 23 – Micaiah was slapped by Zedekiah, an insult in itself.  Zedekiah wrongly asks how the Spirit of the Lord left him, Zedekiah to speak to Micaiah. It is a totally false claim on Zedekiah’s part.

 

And to make matters worse, Micaiah was a minority of one.

The score was 400 telling Ahab to go to battle to one telling him not to.

When you stand for what is right you will often be in the minority, and you will be told that God is not speaking through you. You will even be slapped either verbally or literally.

 

Vs. 24 – Micaiah’s response to Zedekiah was to tell him of his own impending problems on the day of Ahab’s defeat. He’d be hiding himself.

 

Vss. 25-26 – Ahab chose to punish Micaiah until, he, Ahab would return. Ahab believed the majority report. Thus was Micaiah further humiliated.

 

Let me tell you, folks, many have gone to prison for their faith in Christ, suffering humiliation for His sake. And it could happen here.

 

Vs. 27 – Micaiah makes a very honest statement here.

              If Ahab returned from battle, then God had not

              spoken through Micaiah.

 

A great test of a true man or woman of God is the outcome of their words.

 

THE HONORED PROPHET - Vss. 28-34

 

Vss. 28-34 – God honored Micaiah with the fulfillment of His prophecy. Ahab died and did not return in peace.

 

People with courage are often honored by God when their words are fulfilled. They are shown to be right. Ezekiel 2:5

 

Micaiah is still honored today.  His story is told in two books of the Bible, and he stands in Scripture as a courageous, honest man.   

And there is no doubt, that like all of God’s servants, Micaiah will be rewarded in Heaven, no matter what the opinion of others might have been about him. 1 Corinthians 4:1-5

 

Micaiah is the forgotten face of a courageous man who stood for what is right.  Let us follow his example.   

 

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Psalm 118:6

CONFIDENT LIVING

 

COMFORT - "The Lord is on my side;"

CHOICE - "I will not fear:"

CONCLUSION - "What can man do unto me?"

 

Sermon Seeds A7

 

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Jeremiah 15:16

WORSHIP IN THE WORD

 

 

They have taken the Bible out of the government.

They have taken the Bible out of the schools.

Doesn’t it seem logical that they are trying to take the Bible out of the home and even out of the church?  Even if they are not trying to remove the Bible literally, they are trying to remove the Bible’s influence and authority.

Will God allow that to happen?

Why shouldn’t He if we do not reverence the Word which comes from the God we claim to worship?

 

I was challenged this week that the preaching of the Word of God should be an act of worship on my part.  I am to offer up to God a sacrifice, His Word prepared for His people.

 

For you in the congregation, it is just as much an act of worship to listen to and respond to God’s Word as it is to sing a worship chorus. You are not worshipping the preacher, he’s only the messenger.  You are worshipping the God who gives you the message in His Word by listening and responding to what God has to say.

 

Jeremiah 15:16 - Thy words were found, and I did eat them;and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of hosts.

 

This verse helps us to Worship in the Word, both when it is read and preached in church and when I am reading it on my own.  

 

WORSHIP IN THE WORD INVOLVES DISCOVERY

 

Thy words were found…

 

We have all made discoveries.  That is, we have all found things or even learned things that have helped us, educated us and even thrilled us. 

 

There is no greater discovery to make than the things spoken by God. Why is that? 2 Timothy 3:16-17

 

God’s Word is inspired. That is, it is “God breathed”.

Because it comes from God it is profitable.

·        It is profitable for teaching us – doctrine.

·        It is profitable for reprimanding us for our own good – reproof.

·        It is profitable for changing us – correction.

·        It is profitable for helping us live Godly lives – instruction in righteousness.

Paul tells us why we should want to discover God’s Word.

Following it will make us perfect, that is complete or mature. It is also equips us to be ready to do good works which God wants us to do.

 

The discoveries we make in God’s Word are not always pleasant.  2 Kings 22:11-13

Josiah was both convicted and sorrowed by what he discovered in God’s Word.  He responded by trying to do something about it.

 

If you approach this Book as an act of worship, you too will make discoveries.

There will be many joyful discoveries and many sorrowful discoveries.

There will be many convicting discoveries.

There will be many life-changing discoveries.

But each one of us has to make discoveries for ourselves.

 

You will only make discoveries as you read the Word at home or in church if you want to make discoveries.

In church if you stop worshipping God after the hymns and prayers, you will not find yourself making discoveries.

I admit to you that not every sermon is a gem, but if you are looking to make discoveries out of God’s Word as an act of worship, you will find “jewels” that others will miss.

You need to desire to find God’s Word.

 

WORSHIP IN THE WORD INVOLVES DIGESTION

 

Thy words were found, and I did eat them;

 

Every Sunday, Sunday School teachers, myself and/or a guest speaker will serve up the Word to you.

During the week your Bible sits there, waiting to be opened.

Your responsibility is to eat and digest the Word of God that is set before you.

 

Here are some practical ways for you to digest the Word of God.

1.     Confess any known sin to the Lord. 

2.     If you have any problem with me or any other speaker get it straightened out.  I’m a much better preacher in your eyes if you’re not angry at me.

3.     Ask God to help you get something from Him.

4.     Pay Attention. Strive to follow the speaker or your own reading.

5.     Be Open – Be ready to be blessed, to be challenged, to be comforted, or to be corrected.

6.     Be submissive – If there is a conflict between what it is the Word of God and what you are doing or thinking, you know who’s right. It isn’t you.

7.     Meditate after you read or after you hear a sermon.  You may even want to reread the passage sometime during the day.

8.     Memorize and meditate on God’s Word.  The more you meditate on a passage, the more God will speak to you.

 

Some of you have worked out at a gym.  Those weights and exercise machines do you no good unless you use them.

We need to have Gospel work outs. Philippians 2:12-13

 

A “work out” means you are developing muscles that you already have. A Spiritual “work out” assumes that you already have salvation.  You are simply developing your Spiritual muscles.  

 

Work out in the Word of God. Receiving it and obeying it.

 

WORSHIP IN THE WORD INVOLVES DELIGHT

 

Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart:

 

There are some things that bring joy and rejoicing to my heart.

All of these things should have second place to my Lord and His Word.  They should be the joy and rejoicing of my heart. Psalm 119:47, 97, 129, 162

 

Psalm 19 shows us what the Bible is good for, and what happens when the Bible is the joy and rejoicing of our heats.

   

·        Vs. 7 – The Bible converts the soul.  God’s Word is used by God’s Spirit to convict us.

·        Vs. 7 - God’s Word makes simple folks like us wise.

·        Vs. 8 – God’s Word is right and brings joy to the heart.

·        Vs. 8 - God’s Word is pure, giving us discernment.

·        Vs. 9 – God’s Word inspires us to Godly fear.

·        Vs. 9 – God’s Word is true and righteous.

·        Vs. 10 God’s Word is more valuable than gold and sweeter than honey.

·        Vs. 11 – God warns me in His Word.

·        Vs. 11 – When I obey God’s Word, there is great reward.

 

When the Bible becomes the joy and rejoicing of your heart:

·        You will want to read it.

·        You will want to hear it preached.

·        You will want to remember it and think about it.

 

WORSHIP IN THE WORD INVOLVES DISTINCTION

 

Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of hosts.

 

The Word of God should be the joy and rejoicing of my heart because of who I am!

 

Jeremiah says that He was called by God’s name.

That means Jeremiah belonged to God.

 

DO YOU BELONG TO GOD?

You do belong to God if the following things are true:

1.     You have admitted that you are so bad a sinner that you could never save yourself.

2.     You have heard and understood that Jesus Christ, the Son of God died for your sins and paid for them in full.

3.     You have sincerely received Jesus Christ into your life as your only hope for forgiveness and everlasting life.

4.     Upon receiving Jesus Christ as Savior, your life has been changed by the Spirit of God.

 

If you belong to God, you are called by the name of God, the Son. His name is Christ.  Your name is Christian!

 

This truth is even more exciting when you consider that if you have trusted Christ to be your Savior you have received a new birth and have been born into the family of God.

 

Also, you have been adopted into God’s family and have been given all the rights and privileges of an adult Son.

 

Because of this distinction, that the Lord, God of Hosts, the God of the universe has chosen to call you by His own name, what He has to say to us should be of the utmost importance.

 

Have you ever received a letter that you have read over and over again and hung on every word because it came from someone you loved and cared about?

 

Because you are God’s child and called by God’s name, you should hang on every word from God!

 

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John 1:6-14

AND THERE WAS LIGHT!

 

The "light" here is the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

LIGHT REPRESENTED (By John) Vss. 6-8

LIGHT REVEALED Vss. 9,10,14

LIGHT REJECTED Vs. 11

LIGHT RECEIVED Vss. 12-13

 

Sermon Seeds A24

 

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Acts 16:25-40

REVIVAL MEETING IN A JAIL CELL

 

Introduction - Vss. 18-24

Revival Is:

 

A TIME OF PRAYER - Vs. 25

A TIME OF PRAISE - Vs. 25

A TIME OF POWER (GOD'S) - Vss. 26-40

1. TO RELEASE Vs. 26

2. TO RESTRAIN Vss. 27-28 (The doors opened and all the chains fell off, but nobody escaped!)

3. TO REDEEM Vss. 29-34

4. TO REQUIRE Vss. 35-40

(Paul required a public release from jail by those who had

publicly mistreated Silas and him. This would have furthered their testimony for Christ.)

 

Sermon Seeds A42

 

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1 Thessalonians 3

HOW TO HELP A HURTING CHURCH

 

From time to time we will hear of churches and pastors that are hurting.

Sometimes churches hurt because of persecution.

Sometimes they hurt because of misunderstandings.

Sometimes they hurt because of sin in the pastor, the members, or both.

Sometimes they hurt because of physical problems, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, famine etc.

 

There are times when other congregations can help those churches that are hurting.

In our text the Apostle Paul is talking to a church that was hurting because of persecution.  In these verses Paul shows us some definite ways to help hurting groups of believers.

 

SEND A GOOD MAN - Vss. 1-3

When Paul could forbear no longer, he made a personal sacrifice to send Timothy to the Thessalonians. Vs. 1

In verse 2 we find reference to Timothy who was an excellent man of God. I believe Hallmark Cards once used the slogan, "When you care to send the best."  Paul cared enough to send one of his best helpers.

The reason Paul sent Timothy was "That no man should be moved by these afflictions;" Vs. 3

He wanted the Thessalonians to remain strong during inevitable persecution. Vs. 4

 

SEEK AN ACCURATE REPORT - Vss. 5-8

Another reason Paul sent Timothy was to find out the truth of what was going on. He wanted to know from a reliable source, just how his "children" were bearing up under persecution.

Timothy returned with a good report.

In trying to help other churches, we must remember not to draw conclusions from the report of one individual in the church. It is always good to get the "whole story" before deciding who is right and who is wrong.

 

SPEAK A THANKFUL PRAYER - Vss. 9-10

Paul prayed for the Thessalonians, even though he was not able to go immediately to help them.

His prayers included thanksgiving a desire to personally to them for the purpose of ministry.

We can intercede for other churches even when we can do nothing else.

 

SHARE AN ENCOURAGING WORD - Vss. 11-13

Paul encouraged the believers in these verses!

We have more ways to encourage today than the Apostle Paul did.  We can encourage by way of telephone, letter, tape, and e-mail.

 

Sermon Seeds C28

 

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2 Peter 1:2-4

GREAT RESULTS

 

Here are five great results of knowing God through Christ:

 

GRACE - Vs. 2

PEACE - Vs. 2

LIFE - Vs. 3

GODLINESS - Vs. 3

DIVINE NATURE - Vs. 4

 

Sermon Seeds D48

 

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