SERMON SEEDS I28 FOR 10/10/05
Quote from Forum Archives on October 10, 2005, 2:22 pmPosted by: jpeters <jpeters@...>
SERMON SEEDS FOR OCTOBER 10, 2005
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Leviticus 6:1-7
DEALING WITH SIN
The way sin was dealt with in the Old Testament reminds us how to deal with it today.
REVELATION A MAN HAS SINNED Vss. 2-3
A person must first become aware of his or her sin.
RESTORATION WHAT IS TAKEN IS RESTORED WITH INTEREST Vss. 4-5
Today we must admit our sins to those we have offended and seek their forgiveness.
REPENTANCE AN OFFERING IS TO BE BROUGHT Vs. 6
Christ has already died for our sins as Christians. We need to confess them. 1 John 1:9
REINSTATEMENT THE PERSON IS FORGIVEN Vs. 7
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2 Samuel 6:12 etc.
GLADNESS
GLADNESS OF SERVICE
2 Samuel 6:12 - And it was told king David, saying, The Lord hath blessed the house of Obed-edom, and all that pertaineth unto him, because of the ark of God. So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom into the city of David with gladness.
Psalm 100:2 - Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
Deuteronomy 28:47-48 - Because thou servedst not the Lord thy God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, for the abundance of all things; [48] Therefore shalt thou serve thine enemies which the Lord shall send against thee, in hunger, and in thirst, and in nakedness, and in want of all things: and he shall put a yoke of iron upon thy neck, until he have destroyed thee.
GLADNESS IN HIS SANCTUARY
1 Chronicles 16:27 - Glory and honour are in his presence; strength and gladness are in his place.
Psalm 122:1 - I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.
GLADNESS IN SONG
2 Chronicles 29:30 - Moreover Hezekiah the king and the princes commanded the Levites to sing praise unto the Lord with the words of David, and of Asaph the seer. And they sang praises with gladness, and they bowed their heads and worshipped.
Psalm 9:2 - I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High.
Psalm 67:4 - O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth. Selah.
GLADNESS IN SPIRIT
Psalm 4:7 - Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased.
Psalm 30:11 - Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;
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Jeremiah 42:1-43:7
SEEKING GODS WILL?
The Kingdom of Judah had been conquered by Nebuchadnezzar.
Jerusalem had been destroyed with many people either killed or taken captive.
A governor had been appointed, and murdered.
Fearing King Nebuchadnezzars retaliation, some came to the prophet, Jeremiah, supposedly seeking the will of God. But were they?
PROMISING INQUIRY 42:1-3, 5-6
The leaders came to Jeremiah asking him to inquire to God, seeking Gods will. They promised to obey whatever God said.
PERSISTENT INTERCESSION 42:4, 7
Jeremiah promised to pray faithfully, hear from God, and report faithfully. After 10 days, Jeremiah had an answer from God.
PARTICULAR INSTRUCTION 42:8-19
God promised blessing if the people stayed in the land.
God promised problems if they fled to Egypt.
PROFOUND INDICTMENT 42:20-22
God knew the hearts of those who inquired. Their minds were already made up to go to Egypt no matter what God said.
PERVERTED INSURRECTION 43:1-7
As God had said, the people rebelled against Jeremiah, accused him of lying, and went to Egypt. They even carried Jeremiah off with them.
Were they really seeking Gods will? No!
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John 5:1-16
GRACE - PM 10/9/05
Life of Christ #17
One of the greatest words in the world today is the word grace.
And although you and I have heard much about grace, Gods unmerited favor, we should not tire of hearing about it!
We have been studying chronologically the Life of Christ together.
This week we find the Lord Jesus attending a feast in Jerusalem. We dont know which feast it was. It doesnt matter. It is here that Jesus healed a man who had been paralyzed for 38 years. The healing of this man was an act of grace. In this act of grace, we learn about the grace of God that the Lord Jesus shows to us.
GRACE NEEDED Vss. 1-5
Vss. 1-2 There was a gate near the temple in Jerusalem called the Sheep Gate. It is probably where the sheep, which were headed for sacrifice, were brought into the city.
Also near that Gate was a pool, called Bethesda. They have found that pool and have concluded that it was actually two pools next to each other, with two porches covering each pool and another porch covering the space between the two pools.
Vs. 3 This pool was not a pretty place. It was here that all sorts of physically hurting people gathered.
These people were all there for the same reason. They needed help. They wanted to be healed. They needed grace.
Vs. 4 These people were there because it was believed that an angel came down occasionally and troubled the water and that the first person to get in the water would be healed.
Most of the people gathered there wouldnt have had a chance to be the first to struggle into that pool.
Vs. 5 One man had been paralyzed for 38 years. He had tremendous need, and by his own admission in verse 7, he had no hope of ever making it into the pool first.
Every person who ever lived, with the exception of the Lord Jesus Himself, is like these cripples, these invalids.
We are or were all spiritual invalids.
We are or were all spiritually blind, spiritually lame and spiritually paralyzed.
The Bible makes this very clear. Jeremiah 17:9, Isaiah 64:6, Romans 3:10-18,
Grace was needed if the poolside people were to be healed.
Grace is needed for us to be cleansed of our sins and forgiven! If you havent experienced the grace, the unmerited favor, of God, you are in bad shape. Ezekiel 18:4, Romans 6:23
If you havent already, you need to experience Gods grace.
Christian, even though you have experienced Gods grace, you need to experience more of it. There are still things in your life that dont belong there. You need Gods grace to deliver you from these things!
GRACE OFFERED Vss. 6-7
Vs. 6 Jesus comes along and asks a question that may appear to some to be a dumb question. Do you want to be healed?
Jesus says to non-Christians today Do you want to be healed?
And, unfortunately, most do not.
· Some enjoy their life style too much to have Jesus change it.
· Some enjoy thinking that they are good enough as they are to get to Heaven.
· Some dont think anyone can heal them of their sins.
· Some think they are earning their own way into heaven by being good, moral, and kind.
Jesus can say to people, Do you want to be healed? because He has already paid the price of forgiveness.
As the sinless son of God He has already secured forgiveness for those who will accept it. Romans 5:6-9, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
This is grace my friend, Jesus Christ through his unmerited favor is offering forgiveness and eternal life.
And Christian, Jesus says to you and I, Do you want to be healed of the sinful habits that beset you? And many of us do not.
· Although its wrong some of us really like the way we are living.
· Although its wrong we dont want Jesus to heal us.
· Although its wrong we lack the faith that God can take away the bitterness, the habits, the attitudes that dont belong in our lives.
And yet, God in his grace offers us healing, Christian. 1 Corinthians 10:13, Romans 8:2-4
Christian, you were saved by grace. You can have victory over sinful habits in your life by that same grace. Jesus asks, Do you want to be healed?
Vs. 7 The man admitted that his case was hopeless!
That was good!
The man had come to the end of himself and realized he couldnt be healed without help. He didnt deserve to be healed, what Jesus said to him later was an indication that his disease was a result of his sin.
My friend in order to get into Heaven, you need to admit that you cant do it yourself. You need to admit that you need grace.
GRACE APPLIED Vss. 8-9
Vss. 8-9 - How did this man receive the grace of healing?
Jesus told him to get up and walk.
The man had no ability in Himself to walk.
Jesus told him to do it, and the man believed the Lord Jesus.
The man, by faith, tried to get up and could!
The man, by faith, tried to pick up his bed and he could!
The man, by faith, tried to walk, and he could!
THAT WAS GRACE!
He believed the Lord Jesus and the Lord Jesus did the rest!
The grace of God was applied to His life.
Now how do we get our sins forgiven so we can go to Heaven?
Grace must be applied to our lives!
The price for salvation had already been paid by the Lord Jesus on the cross! - 2 Corinthians 5:21
All we have to do is to apply His grace to our account.
Jesus offers you the gift forgiveness and eternal life. It does you no good, until you accept that gift and apply it to yourself. John 3:16, Ephesians 2:8-9
Simply trust Christ for forgiveness and eternal life and He will give it to you and give you a new life right now. 1 Corinthians 6:11
And Christian, victory over sinful habits also requires faith.
We must have faith that weve been crucified with Christ, and therefore no longer obligated to practice sin. Galatians 2:20,
We must have faith that Christ will give us victory over sin. Romans 6:14
God in his grace will give you eternal life.
God in His grace will give you victory.
But we must apply that grace of our lives by faith.
GRACE CAUTIOUS Vs. 14
Vs. 14 Later when Jesus met the healed man, Jesus told him to be cautious. Evidently the man had sin in his life, and he was told to go and sin no more, lest something worse would happen to Him.
If grace has done a work in your life you should be cautious.
We should not want to act the way we used to act before we came to know Christ as Savior.
We should want to please the Lord Jesus because we love Him.
Folks, we should behave better towards the Lord Jesus Christ because He gave His all for us. He showed us grace!
We should serve Him by grace!
Lets be cautious to serve the Lord Jesus the way He deserves to be served.
GRACE QUESTIONED Vss. 10-13, 15-16
Vss. 10-13 In Israel the man-made rules were very strict. And according to the man-made rules, the man was breaking the Sabbath.
The man told them that the one who healed him, told him to take up his bed and walk, although he didnt know who that man was.
Instead of being joyful over the miracle that had been performed, these people were more concerned that the Sabbath, according to their way of thinking had been broken!
Vss. 15-16 Eventually Jesus found the man in the Temple. When the man knew who it was that had healed him, he told the authorities.
And note that the authorities sought to kill Him!
It didnt make any sense at all.
Even today there will be those who dont understand grace.
They will call you a religious fanatic.
They will criticize you for your faith in Christ.
They wont like it when you start living the way you ought to live. John 15:19, 1 Corinthians 2:14
GRACE NEEDED Vss. 1-5
GRACE OFFERED Vss. 6-7
GRACE APPLIED Vss. 8-9
GRACE CAUTIOUS Vs. 14
GRACE QUESTIONED Vss. 10-13, 15-16
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John 15:4-5
ABIDING IN CHRIST
(A Topical Message)
John 15:4-5 - Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. [5] I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
How do we abide in Christ? We abide in Christ by following the steps listed below:
REJOICE
Hebrews 13:15 - By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
REQUEST
Philippians 4:6-7 - Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. [7] And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
James 1:5 - If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
Ephesians 6:18 - Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
RELY
Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. [6] In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
READ
2 Timothy 3:16 - All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
Romans 15:4 - For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
REMEMBER
Psalm 119:11 - Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
Psalm 119:16 - I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.
REFLECT
Psalm 119:97-100 - O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day. [98] Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me. [99] I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation. [100] I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.
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Titus 1:5-9
THE ELDER
Titus 1:5 - For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:
THE ELDER MUST BE A FAMILY MAN Vs. 6
If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.
THE ELDER MUST BE A FIRM MAN Vs. 7
For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;
THE ELDER MUST BE A FRUITFUL MAN Vs. 8
But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;
THE ELDER MUST BE A FAITHFUL MAN Vs. 9
Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
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James 1:5-8
FAITH WORKS PRAYERFULLY
God does not leave us defenseless when he allows us to go through trials. He knows that we need wisdom, and hence, He provides for us a way to have wisdom in trials. The way to wisdom is through prayer. Thus we find in James 1:5-8 that FAITH WORKS PRAYERFULLY.
In this passage we find:
THE CRY FOR WISDOM Vs. 5
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
So, what kinds of wisdom do we need during our trials?
· WE NEED THE WISDOM OF PERSPECTIVE
We must be able to analyze the trial as much as God wants us to. We will not always understand why this trial is occurring. But God can give us the wisdom of perspective which allows us to interpret how the trial is affecting us, our family, our friends, and those around us. Perspective will also help us to see how serious or not so serious the trial is, and what lessons can be learned.
During trials we should pray for this wisdom of perspective.
· WE NEED THE WISDOM OF PROCEDURE
What do I do now?
One of my favorite verses is Psalm 32:8 - I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.
When we dont know what to do, God will show us.
Sometimes when you are seeking for Gods procedure, you are going to find that He will simply lead you to wait. Psalm 27:14
Sometimes the only procedure we have is to do nothing.
Other times He will give you a battle plan.
· WE NEED THE WISDOM OF POWER
We need the strength to take action when we realize that there might be unpleasant results.
Many of us have had to decide to discipline our children. It hurt us almost as much as it did them, but we did for their good.
Sometimes in church situations discipline is necessary and we are hesitant because of the pain it will cause. But when discipline is carried out in Gods power, it can bring great results.
There are also times when God will want us to confront somebody individually and we need the power to do so. Galatians 6:1-2
There are going to be other times when we are just going to need the power to remain silent and to endure.
Whenever we ask God for wisdom, He will give us strength to do whatever He calls upon us to do.
Isaiah 41:10
We need the wisdom of power.
· WE NEED THE WISDOM OF PEACE
We need to be able to ask God for wisdom and leave the results to Him. When we believe that he is answering our prayers we will have the wisdom of peace. Philippians 4:6-7
There is a saying that goes, Lord, help me to remember that nothing is going to happen to me today that you and I cant handle.
James 1:5 - If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
Notice the promise.
If you ask for wisdom God will give it.
It is not a matter up for debate. Any child of God living in fellowship with God can expect a loving Heavenly Father to provide wisdom as it is requested.
Notice also how God gives wisdom
He gives it liberally. God is no piker.
God is a liberal giver of wisdom. And He has more resources than anyone to give from!
And notice that it says that God upbraideth not.
Sometimes when we help someone out, especially family members, we give them a little lecture with the help. Well, Ill help you this time, but dont you ever let this happen again!
God gives us the wisdom without the lecture.
And if anyone could lecture us about our slowness to learn, our lack of Bible knowledge, or the frequency in which we might ask the same question, it is God.
Notice the certainty at the end of this verse. and it shall be given him.
THE COURAGE OF FAITH
James 1:6 - But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
There is a condition to receiving the wisdom that we need in trials, and that condition is that we must exercise the courage of faith.
We must believe that God is able to give us wisdom.
Most importantly, we must believe that God will give us wisdom.
Hebrews 11:1 - Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
No matter what we pray for, whether it is for wisdom or some other thing, we must exercise faith in order to see our prayers answered.
THE CONSEQUENCES OF DOUBT
If Gods wisdom is so plentiful and liberally given to those who ask, why is it that we do not see more wisdom among Christians?
James 1:6-7 - But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. [7] For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
The one who is to ask in faith is the same one who is to ask with nothing wavering. That is, one is not to ask for wisdom and then doubt that God is going to answer.
One is not to ask for wisdom and then get impatient.
One is not to ask for wisdom and then do as he or she pleases.
There are two consequences mentioned here for those who ask and then doubt.
1. They are like the wave of the sea. Whichever way the wind is blowing they are going. They will be blown in a different direction every time the wind changes.
Thats a terrible way to live, but that is what happens when a person doesnt put down an anchor of faith.
2. Secondly, when a person doubts, God says that he will not receive wisdom.
How many times have you and I failed to get the wisdom we needed, simply because we asked and then failed to have faith that God would answer? Facing trials is bad enough, although they will perfect us. But if we fail to get wisdom for handling the trials because we doubted, matters become even worse.
Watch out for the consequences of doubt.
THE CAUSE OF INSTABILITY
James 1:8 - A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
Now James shares with us the cause of one of the great problems among Christians in this generation.
The problem is instability.
The word double minded means to be two souled.
It means there are two voices inside the individual, and the man is trying to listen to both of them.
He is trying to live for God and for himself at the same time.
He is trying to live for God and please others too.
He is trying to live for God and live in the world at the same time.
So what is the solution?
You and I must be totally sold out to God.
Whether it be in asking for wisdom, of doing anything else in the Christian life.
Philippians 3:14-15 - I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. [15] Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
Matthew 6:24 - No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
THE CRY FOR WISDOM
THE WISDOM OF PERSPECTIVE
THE WISDOM OF PROCEDURE
THE WISDOM OF POWER
THE WISDOM OF PEACE
THE COURAGE OF FAITH
THE CONSEQUENCES OF DOUBT
THE CAUSE OF INSTABILITY
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Posted by: jpeters <jpeters@...>
SERMON SEEDS FOR OCTOBER 10, 2005
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Leviticus 6:1-7
DEALING WITH SIN
The way sin was dealt with in the Old Testament reminds us how to deal with it today.
REVELATION A MAN HAS SINNED Vss. 2-3
A person must first become aware of his or her sin.
RESTORATION WHAT IS TAKEN IS RESTORED WITH INTEREST Vss. 4-5
Today we must admit our sins to those we have offended and seek their forgiveness.
REPENTANCE AN OFFERING IS TO BE BROUGHT Vs. 6
Christ has already died for our sins as Christians. We need to confess them. 1 John 1:9
REINSTATEMENT THE PERSON IS FORGIVEN Vs. 7
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2 Samuel 6:12 etc.
GLADNESS
GLADNESS OF SERVICE
2 Samuel 6:12 - And it was told king David, saying, The Lord hath blessed the house of Obed-edom, and all that pertaineth unto him, because of the ark of God. So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom into the city of David with gladness.
Psalm 100:2 - Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
Deuteronomy 28:47-48 - Because thou servedst not the Lord thy God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, for the abundance of all things; [48] Therefore shalt thou serve thine enemies which the Lord shall send against thee, in hunger, and in thirst, and in nakedness, and in want of all things: and he shall put a yoke of iron upon thy neck, until he have destroyed thee.
GLADNESS IN HIS SANCTUARY
1 Chronicles 16:27 - Glory and honour are in his presence; strength and gladness are in his place.
Psalm 122:1 - I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.
GLADNESS IN SONG
2 Chronicles 29:30 - Moreover Hezekiah the king and the princes commanded the Levites to sing praise unto the Lord with the words of David, and of Asaph the seer. And they sang praises with gladness, and they bowed their heads and worshipped.
Psalm 9:2 - I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High.
Psalm 67:4 - O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth. Selah.
GLADNESS IN SPIRIT
Psalm 4:7 - Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased.
Psalm 30:11 - Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;
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Jeremiah 42:1-43:7
SEEKING GODS WILL?
The Kingdom of Judah had been conquered by Nebuchadnezzar.
Jerusalem had been destroyed with many people either killed or taken captive.
A governor had been appointed, and murdered.
Fearing King Nebuchadnezzars retaliation, some came to the prophet, Jeremiah, supposedly seeking the will of God. But were they?
PROMISING INQUIRY 42:1-3, 5-6
The leaders came to Jeremiah asking him to inquire to God, seeking Gods will. They promised to obey whatever God said.
PERSISTENT INTERCESSION 42:4, 7
Jeremiah promised to pray faithfully, hear from God, and report faithfully. After 10 days, Jeremiah had an answer from God.
PARTICULAR INSTRUCTION 42:8-19
God promised blessing if the people stayed in the land.
God promised problems if they fled to Egypt.
PROFOUND INDICTMENT 42:20-22
God knew the hearts of those who inquired. Their minds were already made up to go to Egypt no matter what God said.
PERVERTED INSURRECTION 43:1-7
As God had said, the people rebelled against Jeremiah, accused him of lying, and went to Egypt. They even carried Jeremiah off with them.
Were they really seeking Gods will? No!
****************************************************************************
John 5:1-16
GRACE - PM 10/9/05
Life of Christ #17
One of the greatest words in the world today is the word grace.
And although you and I have heard much about grace, Gods unmerited favor, we should not tire of hearing about it!
We have been studying chronologically the Life of Christ together.
This week we find the Lord Jesus attending a feast in Jerusalem. We dont know which feast it was. It doesnt matter. It is here that Jesus healed a man who had been paralyzed for 38 years. The healing of this man was an act of grace. In this act of grace, we learn about the grace of God that the Lord Jesus shows to us.
GRACE NEEDED Vss. 1-5
Vss. 1-2 There was a gate near the temple in Jerusalem called the Sheep Gate. It is probably where the sheep, which were headed for sacrifice, were brought into the city.
Also near that Gate was a pool, called Bethesda. They have found that pool and have concluded that it was actually two pools next to each other, with two porches covering each pool and another porch covering the space between the two pools.
Vs. 3 This pool was not a pretty place. It was here that all sorts of physically hurting people gathered.
These people were all there for the same reason. They needed help. They wanted to be healed. They needed grace.
Vs. 4 These people were there because it was believed that an angel came down occasionally and troubled the water and that the first person to get in the water would be healed.
Most of the people gathered there wouldnt have had a chance to be the first to struggle into that pool.
Vs. 5 One man had been paralyzed for 38 years. He had tremendous need, and by his own admission in verse 7, he had no hope of ever making it into the pool first.
Every person who ever lived, with the exception of the Lord Jesus Himself, is like these cripples, these invalids.
We are or were all spiritual invalids.
We are or were all spiritually blind, spiritually lame and spiritually paralyzed.
The Bible makes this very clear. Jeremiah 17:9, Isaiah 64:6, Romans 3:10-18,
Grace was needed if the poolside people were to be healed.
Grace is needed for us to be cleansed of our sins and forgiven! If you havent experienced the grace, the unmerited favor, of God, you are in bad shape. Ezekiel 18:4, Romans 6:23
If you havent already, you need to experience Gods grace.
Christian, even though you have experienced Gods grace, you need to experience more of it. There are still things in your life that dont belong there. You need Gods grace to deliver you from these things!
GRACE OFFERED Vss. 6-7
Vs. 6 Jesus comes along and asks a question that may appear to some to be a dumb question. Do you want to be healed?
Jesus says to non-Christians today Do you want to be healed?
And, unfortunately, most do not.
· Some enjoy their life style too much to have Jesus change it.
· Some enjoy thinking that they are good enough as they are to get to Heaven.
· Some dont think anyone can heal them of their sins.
· Some think they are earning their own way into heaven by being good, moral, and kind.
Jesus can say to people, Do you want to be healed? because He has already paid the price of forgiveness.
As the sinless son of God He has already secured forgiveness for those who will accept it. Romans 5:6-9, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
This is grace my friend, Jesus Christ through his unmerited favor is offering forgiveness and eternal life.
And Christian, Jesus says to you and I, Do you want to be healed of the sinful habits that beset you? And many of us do not.
· Although its wrong some of us really like the way we are living.
· Although its wrong we dont want Jesus to heal us.
· Although its wrong we lack the faith that God can take away the bitterness, the habits, the attitudes that dont belong in our lives.
And yet, God in his grace offers us healing, Christian. 1 Corinthians 10:13, Romans 8:2-4
Christian, you were saved by grace. You can have victory over sinful habits in your life by that same grace. Jesus asks, Do you want to be healed?
Vs. 7 The man admitted that his case was hopeless!
That was good!
The man had come to the end of himself and realized he couldnt be healed without help. He didnt deserve to be healed, what Jesus said to him later was an indication that his disease was a result of his sin.
My friend in order to get into Heaven, you need to admit that you cant do it yourself. You need to admit that you need grace.
GRACE APPLIED Vss. 8-9
Vss. 8-9 - How did this man receive the grace of healing?
Jesus told him to get up and walk.
The man had no ability in Himself to walk.
Jesus told him to do it, and the man believed the Lord Jesus.
The man, by faith, tried to get up and could!
The man, by faith, tried to pick up his bed and he could!
The man, by faith, tried to walk, and he could!
THAT WAS GRACE!
He believed the Lord Jesus and the Lord Jesus did the rest!
The grace of God was applied to His life.
Now how do we get our sins forgiven so we can go to Heaven?
Grace must be applied to our lives!
The price for salvation had already been paid by the Lord Jesus on the cross! - 2 Corinthians 5:21
All we have to do is to apply His grace to our account.
Jesus offers you the gift forgiveness and eternal life. It does you no good, until you accept that gift and apply it to yourself. John 3:16, Ephesians 2:8-9
Simply trust Christ for forgiveness and eternal life and He will give it to you and give you a new life right now. 1 Corinthians 6:11
And Christian, victory over sinful habits also requires faith.
We must have faith that weve been crucified with Christ, and therefore no longer obligated to practice sin. Galatians 2:20,
We must have faith that Christ will give us victory over sin. Romans 6:14
God in his grace will give you eternal life.
God in His grace will give you victory.
But we must apply that grace of our lives by faith.
GRACE CAUTIOUS Vs. 14
Vs. 14 Later when Jesus met the healed man, Jesus told him to be cautious. Evidently the man had sin in his life, and he was told to go and sin no more, lest something worse would happen to Him.
If grace has done a work in your life you should be cautious.
We should not want to act the way we used to act before we came to know Christ as Savior.
We should want to please the Lord Jesus because we love Him.
Folks, we should behave better towards the Lord Jesus Christ because He gave His all for us. He showed us grace!
We should serve Him by grace!
Lets be cautious to serve the Lord Jesus the way He deserves to be served.
GRACE QUESTIONED Vss. 10-13, 15-16
Vss. 10-13 In Israel the man-made rules were very strict. And according to the man-made rules, the man was breaking the Sabbath.
The man told them that the one who healed him, told him to take up his bed and walk, although he didnt know who that man was.
Instead of being joyful over the miracle that had been performed, these people were more concerned that the Sabbath, according to their way of thinking had been broken!
Vss. 15-16 Eventually Jesus found the man in the Temple. When the man knew who it was that had healed him, he told the authorities.
And note that the authorities sought to kill Him!
It didnt make any sense at all.
Even today there will be those who dont understand grace.
They will call you a religious fanatic.
They will criticize you for your faith in Christ.
They wont like it when you start living the way you ought to live. John 15:19, 1 Corinthians 2:14
GRACE NEEDED Vss. 1-5
GRACE OFFERED Vss. 6-7
GRACE APPLIED Vss. 8-9
GRACE CAUTIOUS Vs. 14
GRACE QUESTIONED Vss. 10-13, 15-16
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John 15:4-5
ABIDING IN CHRIST
(A Topical Message)
John 15:4-5 - Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. [5] I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
How do we abide in Christ? We abide in Christ by following the steps listed below:
REJOICE
Hebrews 13:15 - By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
REQUEST
Philippians 4:6-7 - Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. [7] And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
James 1:5 - If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
Ephesians 6:18 - Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
RELY
Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. [6] In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
READ
2 Timothy 3:16 - All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
Romans 15:4 - For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
REMEMBER
Psalm 119:11 - Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
Psalm 119:16 - I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.
REFLECT
Psalm 119:97-100 - O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day. [98] Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me. [99] I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation. [100] I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.
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Titus 1:5-9
THE ELDER
Titus 1:5 - For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:
THE ELDER MUST BE A FAMILY MAN Vs. 6
If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.
THE ELDER MUST BE A FIRM MAN Vs. 7
For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;
THE ELDER MUST BE A FRUITFUL MAN Vs. 8
But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;
THE ELDER MUST BE A FAITHFUL MAN Vs. 9
Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
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James 1:5-8
FAITH WORKS PRAYERFULLY
God does not leave us defenseless when he allows us to go through trials. He knows that we need wisdom, and hence, He provides for us a way to have wisdom in trials. The way to wisdom is through prayer. Thus we find in James 1:5-8 that FAITH WORKS PRAYERFULLY.
In this passage we find:
THE CRY FOR WISDOM Vs. 5
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
So, what kinds of wisdom do we need during our trials?
· WE NEED THE WISDOM OF PERSPECTIVE
We must be able to analyze the trial as much as God wants us to. We will not always understand why this trial is occurring. But God can give us the wisdom of perspective which allows us to interpret how the trial is affecting us, our family, our friends, and those around us. Perspective will also help us to see how serious or not so serious the trial is, and what lessons can be learned.
During trials we should pray for this wisdom of perspective.
· WE NEED THE WISDOM OF PROCEDURE
What do I do now?
One of my favorite verses is Psalm 32:8 - I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.
When we dont know what to do, God will show us.
Sometimes when you are seeking for Gods procedure, you are going to find that He will simply lead you to wait. Psalm 27:14
Sometimes the only procedure we have is to do nothing.
Other times He will give you a battle plan.
· WE NEED THE WISDOM OF POWER
We need the strength to take action when we realize that there might be unpleasant results.
Many of us have had to decide to discipline our children. It hurt us almost as much as it did them, but we did for their good.
Sometimes in church situations discipline is necessary and we are hesitant because of the pain it will cause. But when discipline is carried out in Gods power, it can bring great results.
There are also times when God will want us to confront somebody individually and we need the power to do so. Galatians 6:1-2
There are going to be other times when we are just going to need the power to remain silent and to endure.
Whenever we ask God for wisdom, He will give us strength to do whatever He calls upon us to do.
Isaiah 41:10
We need the wisdom of power.
· WE NEED THE WISDOM OF PEACE
We need to be able to ask God for wisdom and leave the results to Him. When we believe that he is answering our prayers we will have the wisdom of peace. Philippians 4:6-7
There is a saying that goes, Lord, help me to remember that nothing is going to happen to me today that you and I cant handle.
James 1:5 - If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
Notice the promise.
If you ask for wisdom God will give it.
It is not a matter up for debate. Any child of God living in fellowship with God can expect a loving Heavenly Father to provide wisdom as it is requested.
Notice also how God gives wisdom
He gives it liberally. God is no piker.
God is a liberal giver of wisdom. And He has more resources than anyone to give from!
And notice that it says that God upbraideth not.
Sometimes when we help someone out, especially family members, we give them a little lecture with the help. Well, Ill help you this time, but dont you ever let this happen again!
God gives us the wisdom without the lecture.
And if anyone could lecture us about our slowness to learn, our lack of Bible knowledge, or the frequency in which we might ask the same question, it is God.
Notice the certainty at the end of this verse. and it shall be given him.
THE COURAGE OF FAITH
James 1:6 - But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
There is a condition to receiving the wisdom that we need in trials, and that condition is that we must exercise the courage of faith.
We must believe that God is able to give us wisdom.
Most importantly, we must believe that God will give us wisdom.
Hebrews 11:1 - Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
No matter what we pray for, whether it is for wisdom or some other thing, we must exercise faith in order to see our prayers answered.
THE CONSEQUENCES OF DOUBT
If Gods wisdom is so plentiful and liberally given to those who ask, why is it that we do not see more wisdom among Christians?
James 1:6-7 - But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. [7] For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
The one who is to ask in faith is the same one who is to ask with nothing wavering. That is, one is not to ask for wisdom and then doubt that God is going to answer.
One is not to ask for wisdom and then get impatient.
One is not to ask for wisdom and then do as he or she pleases.
There are two consequences mentioned here for those who ask and then doubt.
1. They are like the wave of the sea. Whichever way the wind is blowing they are going. They will be blown in a different direction every time the wind changes.
Thats a terrible way to live, but that is what happens when a person doesnt put down an anchor of faith.
2. Secondly, when a person doubts, God says that he will not receive wisdom.
How many times have you and I failed to get the wisdom we needed, simply because we asked and then failed to have faith that God would answer? Facing trials is bad enough, although they will perfect us. But if we fail to get wisdom for handling the trials because we doubted, matters become even worse.
Watch out for the consequences of doubt.
THE CAUSE OF INSTABILITY
James 1:8 - A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
Now James shares with us the cause of one of the great problems among Christians in this generation.
The problem is instability.
The word double minded means to be two souled.
It means there are two voices inside the individual, and the man is trying to listen to both of them.
He is trying to live for God and for himself at the same time.
He is trying to live for God and please others too.
He is trying to live for God and live in the world at the same time.
So what is the solution?
You and I must be totally sold out to God.
Whether it be in asking for wisdom, of doing anything else in the Christian life.
Philippians 3:14-15 - I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. [15] Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
Matthew 6:24 - No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
THE CRY FOR WISDOM
THE WISDOM OF PERSPECTIVE
THE WISDOM OF PROCEDURE
THE WISDOM OF POWER
THE WISDOM OF PEACE
THE COURAGE OF FAITH
THE CONSEQUENCES OF DOUBT
THE CAUSE OF INSTABILITY
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