SERMON SEEDS H46 FOR 2/21/05
Quote from Forum Archives on February 21, 2005, 5:32 pmPosted by: jpeters <jpeters@...>
SERMON SEEDS FOR FEBRUARY 21, 2005
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Genesis 21:1-21
AS WE TRAVEL LIFES ROAD
There are three lessons for living the Christian life that we find in this story.
REJOICE IN GODS BLESSINGS Vss. 1-7 Philippians 4:4
REMOVE WHAT IS OFFENSIVE Vss. 8-13 Ephesians 4:30
REMEMBER GOD WILL PROVIDE Vss. 14-21 Philippians 4:19
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OUT OF THE DOLDRUMS
2 Chronicles 29:1-30
We all get the "blahs" sometime.
We don't feel like doing anything or associating with anybody.
It is possible for us to get the Spiritual "blahs" or to be have the Spiritual Doldrums.
Judah was in this state because of King Ahaz. 2 Chronicles 28:19-25
Hezekiah succeeded his father, Ahaz, to the throne. He got Judah out of the Spiritual doldrums. Based on what Hezekiah did, here's how we can get out of the Spiritual doldrums ourselves.
REOPEN THE TEMPLE Vs. 3
The temple today is our lives. 2 Corinthians 6:19-20
If we closed the temple through lack of love (Revelation 2:1-5) for
the Lord, or sin, reopen it, and make sure that Jesus is on the throne.
REALIZE THE CONSEQUENCES OF SIN Vss. 6-10
Proverbs 3:11-12
REMOVE WHAT IS OFFENSIVE TO GOD Vss. 5, 15-17
Proverbs 6:16-19, Colossians 3:5-9, 1 John 1:9
REPLACE THE OFFENSIVE WITH THE POSITIVE Vss. 18-19
The Word of God - Colossians 3:16
The Spirit of God - Ephesians 5:18-21
The Fruit of the Spirit - Galatians 5:22-23
REDEDICATE YOURSELF TO CHRIST Vss. 20-23
Romans 12:1
RETURN TO PRAISE Vss. 24-30
Praise is the last to come, and is a good sign you are out of
the doldrums.
Sermon Seeds A8
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Psalm 19
GODS WITNESSES
God shows that He exists through these three witnesses.
THE WITNESS OF THE WONDERS OF GOD Vss. 1-6
THE WITNESS OF THE WORD OF GOD Vss. 7-11
THE WITNESS OF THE WALK WITH GOD Vss. 12-14
As a believer walks with God He is a witness to the existence of God by the life that he leads and the words that he speaks.
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Matthew 26:6-13
WHAT A LADY!
Mary of Bethany showed great kindness to the Lord Jesus shortly before He was crucified.
GREAT COST Vs. 7
GREAT CRITICISM Vss. 8-9
GREAT CORRECTION Vss. 10-12
GREAT COMPLIMENT Vs. 13
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Acts 9:32-43
THIS IS YOUR LIFE
Ralph Edwards used to host a television show called "This Is Your
Life". It was a testimonial given to surprised guests, who had their
lives reviewed, and were reunited with old friends and loved ones.
Our text here is a biography of two individuals. It is as if God is
saying, "This is your life!"
AENEAS, THIS IS YOUR LIFE Vss. 32-35
A life that is DIFFICULT Vs. 33
A life that became DIFFERENT Vs. 34
A life that DECLARES God's grace Vs. 35
DORCAS, THIS IS YOUR LIFE Vss. 36-42
A life that is FULL OF GOD'S GOODNESS. Vs. 36
A life that .is FASHIONED FOR GOD'S GLORY Vss. 37-41
A life that FURTHERS THE GOSPEL Vs. 42
Sermon Seeds A49
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Hebrews 11:20-29
FAITH THAT WORKS
HEBREWS STUDY #23 A Complete Study
· How is faith in everyday things like the light switch and starter on the car practical?
· Does faith work? Is it practical? How do you know that it works?
· What specific things has God done for you that indicate to you that faith really does work?
· How can our practical faith influence others to that same type of faith?
· Do you think that Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, and Moses were influenced by their parents faith? Why?
· How can you best influence the faith of your children?
We like things that work when we try them. Thats practical! Hebrews 11:20-29 shows that faith works. It is practical.
FAITHS OUTLOOK Vss. 20-23
ë Vs. 20 What was unique about Isaacs blessing of Jacob and Esau? Genesis 27
ë Who received the better blessing? Why? Genesis 27:28-29, 39-40
ë How was the blessing by Isaac an act of faith, even though it didnt go as Isaac had planned? Genesis 27:32-33
ë How is faith important when things dont go as we have planned?
ë Vs. 21 Look at Genesis 48:14-19. How was this blessing an outlook by faith?
ë Vs. 22 Joseph lived in the Promised Land for about 17 years. He lived in Egypt the rest of his life. Why did he want his bones removed and buried in the Promised Land?
ë In his heart, do you think Joseph was ever really an Egyptian?
ë Vs. 23 Doesnt every parent think his or her children are beautiful? What caused his parents to discern Moses true beauty?
ë What was the kings commandment. Were Moses parents right to disobey the king? Why?
FAITHS OBSTINACY Vss. 24-27
F Vs. 24 - The son of Pharaohs Daughter could very well have been an official title. How did Moses secure this title? Why was it a significant decision to renounce this title?
F Vs. 25 Why did Moses turn his back on Pharaoh and his court?
F Does God ever require us to make a decision similar to the one mentioned in verse 25? Why?
F Vs. 26 - Christ had not yet been born. How could Moses possibly esteem his reproach greater riches than the treasures in Egypt?
F What reward was Moses looking for?
F What rewards should we be looking for?
FAITHS OBEDIENCE Vs. 28
R The word kept here means that he instituted the Passover.
R When did Moses institute the Passover and how was that a step of obedient faith? Exodus 12
R What had to be done to be obedient during the Passover?
R What are some of the steps obedience that God wants us to take today?
FAITHS OPPORTUNITY Vs. 29
V God provided a way of escape and the Children of Israel took it. What New Testament principle does that remind you of? 1 Corinthians 10:12-14
V Actually, according to Exodus 14:10-14, who had the initial faith?
V What opportunities are available for people of faith?
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1 John 5:1-5
WALKING OR RIDING
Real Christianity (1 John) #16
Ecclesiastes 10:7 - I have seen servants upon horses, and princes walking as servants upon the earth.
Solomon evidently saw those who were servants, or who acted like servants, taking the place of royalty and riding on horses, when they should have been walking.
He also saw royalty, or those who acted like royalty, princes, walking next to the horse, just as servants would.
The ones who should be ruling were serving.
The ones who should be serving were ruling.
You may be asking, So whats the point?
God has made the born-again Christian so he would act like royalty. All too often, we act like servants.
For instance, God has given us our human bodies.
They are to be under the control of our spirits.
But so often we find our body in control, so that we give into its cravings and desires.
The spirit, which should be in control is forced to walk, while the body, which should be our servant, is riding.
The same principle is true for some in the area of wealth and material things. God made money and the things that money can buy to be our servants so we can have our needs met and help meet the needs of others. They should be our servants. But, in all too many cases wealth and material things control the person, instead of the person controlling the wealth and material things.
And one neednt be rich to have this problem. Remember, Paul told Timothy that it is the love of money that is the root of all evil, and not money itself. The desire for wealth and riches can control and ride, while the human spirit ends up walking as a servant.
And what about our thought lives?
The born-again Christian is to control his thoughts. The thoughts are to be servants and not rulers.
Philippians 4:8 - Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
But all too often, the Christian is a slave instead of a prince in his though life. Immoral thoughts, dirty thoughts, thoughts of bitterness and unforgiveness, thoughts of pride and arrogance, thoughts of worry, doubt and fear, thoughts of lust and other unclean thoughts control the mind. Instead of our minds riding in victory, they walk as servants to wrong thoughts.
I have seen servants upon horses, and princes walking as servants upon the earth.
The question is, are you walking or riding?
Are you riding as a ruler, a prince in control of your body, your mind, and your desires? Or are you walking as a servant or slave to these things?
If you are a born again Christian, you are a child of God. God is the king of the universe. So, the moment you were born-again you became a prince! Romans 8:17
We are heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ. One day when Christ reigns, we will reign with Him. We are royalty! Romans 5:17
It says in this verse that the Christian shall reign in life.
When is life? Life is right now! Because you are royalty, a child of God, a joint heir with Christ, God has given you all you need to live a victorious life, a life of victory, a life of walking in control of your lusts, your body, your thoughts, and your actions right now!
You should be riding in victory as a prince, and not walking as a servant in defeat.
How do we learn to ride in victory and not walk in defeat?
Here the Apostle John is talking about love. In this conversation about love he shows us how we can act like the royalty we are, and not walk as servants in slavery.
We see three aspects of love in this passage that will lead us to victory:
BELIEVING LOVE Vs. 1
1 John 5:1 - Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God:
If you are a child of God there was a specific time that you were born into Gods family, whether you can remember the exact time of not.
John 1:12 - But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
The moment you received Jesus Christ as your Savior by believing on His name is the moment you became a child of God.
Our text tells us that the one who is born of God is a believer. He or she believes that Jesus is the Christ or the anointed one, or the Messiah.
Vs. 5 elaborates by telling us that the believer believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
1 John 5:5 - Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
Not only are we to believe what He did, die for our sins, be buried and rise again, but we are to believe who He is, that He is the Christ, the Son of God.
When a person is born into his or her family it is the beginning of a love affair. The parents love the child and the child loves the parents when all is normal.
1 John 5:1 - Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.
and every one that loveth him that begat
John is making an assumption. He is assuming that every person who has truly been born again, and become a child of God will love God who has given him or her life. 1 John 4:19
He first loved us. If we have truly believed, we will have at least some idea of what He has done for us, and we will love him.
Most of us will concede that we need to love Him more.
The Christian should have as one of his goals, the command found in Deuteronomy 6:4-5
and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.
Please note that believing love does not only love God but loves the other children who have been born into the Family of God.
Sometimes when I look at our attitudes towards other Christians, what we say about other Christians, and what we do to other Christians, I wonder how much we really love other Christians.
Believing love, love that comes with being born again, loves God, and also loves brothers and sisters in Christ, other Christians.
Believing love leads to:
OBEYING LOVE Vss. 2-3
1 John 5:2 - By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.
Now John tells us how we can know that we love Gods children, our brothers and sisters, the way we should. He tells us that the one who loves his brother and sister in Christ is the one who loves God and keeps His commandments.
This makes sense. So many of Gods commands tell us how to go about loving our brothers and sisters. If we obey these commands we will love them.
An example is found in Ephesians 4:25-31 If we obey these commands we will show our love the children of God.
1 John 5:3 - For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
You say that you love God, your Father.
You say that you love God, your Heavenly Parent?
Let me tell you, my friend, my children could say they loved me all they wanted when they lived at home, but it was when they obeyed me that they proved their love.
Your goal as a believer should be to show your love for God by your obedience to God.
Now, dont get bent out of shape, thinking, How in the world can I keep every command from God?
The end of verse 3 says and his commandments are not grievous. That is, they are not burdensome. They are not a burden designed to weigh you down.
Jesus said, My yoke is easy and my burden is light.
We need to remember that God is merciful and patient with us. He doesnt expect us to mature over night, but He does expect us to grow into that maturity.
2 Peter 3:18 - But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ We are called upon to grow in grace and knowledge. That would mean that we will grow in obedience also.
As Gods Word is preached to us, and as we study on our own, we will discover Gods commands for Christians. As we discover them, we then strive with Gods help to obey them. As God reveals areas of weakness and disobedience in our lives, we deal with them. Thank God, He doesnt show them to us all at once.
WINNING LOVE Vss. 4-5
Winning love is what makes obeying love easier.
God now shows us the main reason why keeping his commandments is not burdensome or grievous.
God has already made us victorious. He has already made us winners.
1 John 5:4 - For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
Beloved either the world, this old world system with all its sin and degradation is going to conquer you, or you are going to conquer the world. Either the world will serve you, or you will serve the world. You will either walk as a servant or ride as a prince!
Now heres the great truth For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world:
It means Whatsoever is born of God has overcome the world. Its an accomplished fact! Its been done! Its complete!
Where was the greatest victory of all the ages won?
It was won at the cross, when Jesus died for sin. It was won at the tomb, when Jesus rose from the dead.
Satan is a defeated enemy. Christ won the victory at the cross.
Who died at Calvary? Jesus did, of course.
But I died at Calvary, you died at Calvary.
Who rose from the tomb?
Jesus did, of course! But you rose from the tomb. Because you died with Him, you were buried with Him, you arose with Him! Believers baptism is a picture of these truths. Romans 6:3-4
So, if this is all true, why does Satan, our defeated foe give us so much trouble? It is simply because we have not appropriated the victory! and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
We simply need to trust the Lord by faith that we have the victory and start taking charge of sin in our lives. We can start saying, In Jesus name, I died to that sin. I will not do it. Romans 6:10-14
Lets claim the victory by faith!
Romans 6:14 - For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
BELIEVING LOVE
OBEYING LOVE
WINNING LOVE
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Posted by: jpeters <jpeters@...>
SERMON SEEDS FOR FEBRUARY 21, 2005
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Genesis 21:1-21
AS WE TRAVEL LIFES ROAD
There are three lessons for living the Christian life that we find in this story.
REJOICE IN GODS BLESSINGS Vss. 1-7 Philippians 4:4
REMOVE WHAT IS OFFENSIVE Vss. 8-13 Ephesians 4:30
REMEMBER GOD WILL PROVIDE Vss. 14-21 Philippians 4:19
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OUT OF THE DOLDRUMS
2 Chronicles 29:1-30
We all get the "blahs" sometime.
We don't feel like doing anything or associating with anybody.
It is possible for us to get the Spiritual "blahs" or to be have the Spiritual Doldrums.
Judah was in this state because of King Ahaz. 2 Chronicles 28:19-25
Hezekiah succeeded his father, Ahaz, to the throne. He got Judah out of the Spiritual doldrums. Based on what Hezekiah did, here's how we can get out of the Spiritual doldrums ourselves.
REOPEN THE TEMPLE Vs. 3
The temple today is our lives. 2 Corinthians 6:19-20
If we closed the temple through lack of love (Revelation 2:1-5) for
the Lord, or sin, reopen it, and make sure that Jesus is on the throne.
REALIZE THE CONSEQUENCES OF SIN Vss. 6-10
Proverbs 3:11-12
REMOVE WHAT IS OFFENSIVE TO GOD Vss. 5, 15-17
Proverbs 6:16-19, Colossians 3:5-9, 1 John 1:9
REPLACE THE OFFENSIVE WITH THE POSITIVE Vss. 18-19
The Word of God - Colossians 3:16
The Spirit of God - Ephesians 5:18-21
The Fruit of the Spirit - Galatians 5:22-23
REDEDICATE YOURSELF TO CHRIST Vss. 20-23
Romans 12:1
RETURN TO PRAISE Vss. 24-30
Praise is the last to come, and is a good sign you are out of
the doldrums.
Sermon Seeds A8
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Psalm 19
GODS WITNESSES
God shows that He exists through these three witnesses.
THE WITNESS OF THE WONDERS OF GOD Vss. 1-6
THE WITNESS OF THE WORD OF GOD Vss. 7-11
THE WITNESS OF THE WALK WITH GOD Vss. 12-14
As a believer walks with God He is a witness to the existence of God by the life that he leads and the words that he speaks.
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Matthew 26:6-13
WHAT A LADY!
Mary of Bethany showed great kindness to the Lord Jesus shortly before He was crucified.
GREAT COST Vs. 7
GREAT CRITICISM Vss. 8-9
GREAT CORRECTION Vss. 10-12
GREAT COMPLIMENT Vs. 13
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Acts 9:32-43
THIS IS YOUR LIFE
Ralph Edwards used to host a television show called "This Is Your
Life". It was a testimonial given to surprised guests, who had their
lives reviewed, and were reunited with old friends and loved ones.
Our text here is a biography of two individuals. It is as if God is
saying, "This is your life!"
AENEAS, THIS IS YOUR LIFE Vss. 32-35
A life that is DIFFICULT Vs. 33
A life that became DIFFERENT Vs. 34
A life that DECLARES God's grace Vs. 35
DORCAS, THIS IS YOUR LIFE Vss. 36-42
A life that is FULL OF GOD'S GOODNESS. Vs. 36
A life that .is FASHIONED FOR GOD'S GLORY Vss. 37-41
A life that FURTHERS THE GOSPEL Vs. 42
Sermon Seeds A49
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Hebrews 11:20-29
FAITH THAT WORKS
HEBREWS STUDY #23 A Complete Study
· How is faith in everyday things like the light switch and starter on the car practical?
· Does faith work? Is it practical? How do you know that it works?
· What specific things has God done for you that indicate to you that faith really does work?
· How can our practical faith influence others to that same type of faith?
· Do you think that Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, and Moses were influenced by their parents faith? Why?
· How can you best influence the faith of your children?
We like things that work when we try them. Thats practical! Hebrews 11:20-29 shows that faith works. It is practical.
FAITHS OUTLOOK Vss. 20-23
ë Vs. 20 What was unique about Isaacs blessing of Jacob and Esau? Genesis 27
ë Who received the better blessing? Why? Genesis 27:28-29, 39-40
ë How was the blessing by Isaac an act of faith, even though it didnt go as Isaac had planned? Genesis 27:32-33
ë How is faith important when things dont go as we have planned?
ë Vs. 21 Look at Genesis 48:14-19. How was this blessing an outlook by faith?
ë Vs. 22 Joseph lived in the Promised Land for about 17 years. He lived in Egypt the rest of his life. Why did he want his bones removed and buried in the Promised Land?
ë In his heart, do you think Joseph was ever really an Egyptian?
ë Vs. 23 Doesnt every parent think his or her children are beautiful? What caused his parents to discern Moses true beauty?
ë What was the kings commandment. Were Moses parents right to disobey the king? Why?
FAITHS OBSTINACY Vss. 24-27
F Vs. 24 - The son of Pharaohs Daughter could very well have been an official title. How did Moses secure this title? Why was it a significant decision to renounce this title?
F Vs. 25 Why did Moses turn his back on Pharaoh and his court?
F Does God ever require us to make a decision similar to the one mentioned in verse 25? Why?
F Vs. 26 - Christ had not yet been born. How could Moses possibly esteem his reproach greater riches than the treasures in Egypt?
F What reward was Moses looking for?
F What rewards should we be looking for?
FAITHS OBEDIENCE Vs. 28
R The word kept here means that he instituted the Passover.
R When did Moses institute the Passover and how was that a step of obedient faith? Exodus 12
R What had to be done to be obedient during the Passover?
R What are some of the steps obedience that God wants us to take today?
FAITHS OPPORTUNITY Vs. 29
V God provided a way of escape and the Children of Israel took it. What New Testament principle does that remind you of? 1 Corinthians 10:12-14
V Actually, according to Exodus 14:10-14, who had the initial faith?
V What opportunities are available for people of faith?
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1 John 5:1-5
WALKING OR RIDING
Real Christianity (1 John) #16
Ecclesiastes 10:7 - I have seen servants upon horses, and princes walking as servants upon the earth.
Solomon evidently saw those who were servants, or who acted like servants, taking the place of royalty and riding on horses, when they should have been walking.
He also saw royalty, or those who acted like royalty, princes, walking next to the horse, just as servants would.
The ones who should be ruling were serving.
The ones who should be serving were ruling.
You may be asking, So whats the point?
God has made the born-again Christian so he would act like royalty. All too often, we act like servants.
For instance, God has given us our human bodies.
They are to be under the control of our spirits.
But so often we find our body in control, so that we give into its cravings and desires.
The spirit, which should be in control is forced to walk, while the body, which should be our servant, is riding.
The same principle is true for some in the area of wealth and material things. God made money and the things that money can buy to be our servants so we can have our needs met and help meet the needs of others. They should be our servants. But, in all too many cases wealth and material things control the person, instead of the person controlling the wealth and material things.
And one neednt be rich to have this problem. Remember, Paul told Timothy that it is the love of money that is the root of all evil, and not money itself. The desire for wealth and riches can control and ride, while the human spirit ends up walking as a servant.
And what about our thought lives?
The born-again Christian is to control his thoughts. The thoughts are to be servants and not rulers.
Philippians 4:8 - Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
But all too often, the Christian is a slave instead of a prince in his though life. Immoral thoughts, dirty thoughts, thoughts of bitterness and unforgiveness, thoughts of pride and arrogance, thoughts of worry, doubt and fear, thoughts of lust and other unclean thoughts control the mind. Instead of our minds riding in victory, they walk as servants to wrong thoughts.
I have seen servants upon horses, and princes walking as servants upon the earth.
The question is, are you walking or riding?
Are you riding as a ruler, a prince in control of your body, your mind, and your desires? Or are you walking as a servant or slave to these things?
If you are a born again Christian, you are a child of God. God is the king of the universe. So, the moment you were born-again you became a prince! Romans 8:17
We are heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ. One day when Christ reigns, we will reign with Him. We are royalty! Romans 5:17
It says in this verse that the Christian shall reign in life.
When is life? Life is right now! Because you are royalty, a child of God, a joint heir with Christ, God has given you all you need to live a victorious life, a life of victory, a life of walking in control of your lusts, your body, your thoughts, and your actions right now!
You should be riding in victory as a prince, and not walking as a servant in defeat.
How do we learn to ride in victory and not walk in defeat?
Here the Apostle John is talking about love. In this conversation about love he shows us how we can act like the royalty we are, and not walk as servants in slavery.
We see three aspects of love in this passage that will lead us to victory:
BELIEVING LOVE Vs. 1
1 John 5:1 - Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God:
If you are a child of God there was a specific time that you were born into Gods family, whether you can remember the exact time of not.
John 1:12 - But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
The moment you received Jesus Christ as your Savior by believing on His name is the moment you became a child of God.
Our text tells us that the one who is born of God is a believer. He or she believes that Jesus is the Christ or the anointed one, or the Messiah.
Vs. 5 elaborates by telling us that the believer believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
1 John 5:5 - Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
Not only are we to believe what He did, die for our sins, be buried and rise again, but we are to believe who He is, that He is the Christ, the Son of God.
When a person is born into his or her family it is the beginning of a love affair. The parents love the child and the child loves the parents when all is normal.
1 John 5:1 - Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.
and every one that loveth him that begat
John is making an assumption. He is assuming that every person who has truly been born again, and become a child of God will love God who has given him or her life. 1 John 4:19
He first loved us. If we have truly believed, we will have at least some idea of what He has done for us, and we will love him.
Most of us will concede that we need to love Him more.
The Christian should have as one of his goals, the command found in Deuteronomy 6:4-5
and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.
Please note that believing love does not only love God but loves the other children who have been born into the Family of God.
Sometimes when I look at our attitudes towards other Christians, what we say about other Christians, and what we do to other Christians, I wonder how much we really love other Christians.
Believing love, love that comes with being born again, loves God, and also loves brothers and sisters in Christ, other Christians.
Believing love leads to:
OBEYING LOVE Vss. 2-3
1 John 5:2 - By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.
Now John tells us how we can know that we love Gods children, our brothers and sisters, the way we should. He tells us that the one who loves his brother and sister in Christ is the one who loves God and keeps His commandments.
This makes sense. So many of Gods commands tell us how to go about loving our brothers and sisters. If we obey these commands we will love them.
An example is found in Ephesians 4:25-31 If we obey these commands we will show our love the children of God.
1 John 5:3 - For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
You say that you love God, your Father.
You say that you love God, your Heavenly Parent?
Let me tell you, my friend, my children could say they loved me all they wanted when they lived at home, but it was when they obeyed me that they proved their love.
Your goal as a believer should be to show your love for God by your obedience to God.
Now, dont get bent out of shape, thinking, How in the world can I keep every command from God?
The end of verse 3 says and his commandments are not grievous. That is, they are not burdensome. They are not a burden designed to weigh you down.
Jesus said, My yoke is easy and my burden is light.
We need to remember that God is merciful and patient with us. He doesnt expect us to mature over night, but He does expect us to grow into that maturity.
2 Peter 3:18 - But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ We are called upon to grow in grace and knowledge. That would mean that we will grow in obedience also.
As Gods Word is preached to us, and as we study on our own, we will discover Gods commands for Christians. As we discover them, we then strive with Gods help to obey them. As God reveals areas of weakness and disobedience in our lives, we deal with them. Thank God, He doesnt show them to us all at once.
WINNING LOVE Vss. 4-5
Winning love is what makes obeying love easier.
God now shows us the main reason why keeping his commandments is not burdensome or grievous.
God has already made us victorious. He has already made us winners.
1 John 5:4 - For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
Beloved either the world, this old world system with all its sin and degradation is going to conquer you, or you are going to conquer the world. Either the world will serve you, or you will serve the world. You will either walk as a servant or ride as a prince!
Now heres the great truth For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world:
It means Whatsoever is born of God has overcome the world. Its an accomplished fact! Its been done! Its complete!
Where was the greatest victory of all the ages won?
It was won at the cross, when Jesus died for sin. It was won at the tomb, when Jesus rose from the dead.
Satan is a defeated enemy. Christ won the victory at the cross.
Who died at Calvary? Jesus did, of course.
But I died at Calvary, you died at Calvary.
Who rose from the tomb?
Jesus did, of course! But you rose from the tomb. Because you died with Him, you were buried with Him, you arose with Him! Believers baptism is a picture of these truths. Romans 6:3-4
So, if this is all true, why does Satan, our defeated foe give us so much trouble? It is simply because we have not appropriated the victory! and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
We simply need to trust the Lord by faith that we have the victory and start taking charge of sin in our lives. We can start saying, In Jesus name, I died to that sin. I will not do it. Romans 6:10-14
Lets claim the victory by faith!
Romans 6:14 - For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
BELIEVING LOVE
OBEYING LOVE
WINNING LOVE
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