SERMON SEEDS K24 FOR 8/27/07
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SERMON SEEDS FOR AUGUST 27, 2007
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GOD DEFENDS
Daniel 6
#5 of 5 D. O. G. (DEPEND ON GOD) DAYS
Psalm 7:10 - My defence is of God, which saveth the upright in heart.
Psalm 59:16 - But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble.
Psalm 62:6 - He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved.
We conclude our study of D. O. G. (Depend On God) Days by looking at an event in the life of Daniel the Prophet that shows that God Defends.
When we need protection, God gives it!
So who was Daniel?
Daniel was a young Jewish man or boy who lived at the time of the fall of Jerusalem. He was taken into captivity by the Babylonians, who under the King Nebuchadnezzar, were establishing a mighty empire. Daniel 1:3-4
Daniel and others, were drafted into the service of the King. Nebuchadnezzar was taking the best young people and training them to be government employees. Nebuchadnezzars plan was for these boys to be subdued into worshipping his gods and being loyal to the Babylonian empire.
However, Daniel and his three friends, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, remained faithful to God. They did not allow themselves to be brain washed into serving other Gods, and God blessed them and used them.
In Daniel 6 our friend Daniel is an old man, probably in his 80s or 90s. He had served under Nebuchadnezzar and other Babylonian kings. Babylon had been defeated and was then a Persian king, Darius, was in charge.
Daniel was about to be the victim of a plan by his enemies that was designed to have him killed. It is here that we learn that God defends his own!
There will be times when we as Christians will also face various forms of opposition simply because of our faith in Christ. 2 Timothy 3:12,
God does not forsake us during times of opposition. He defends us. That doesnt mean that we wont suffer, but He will give us grace to face victoriously any opposition that comes our way.
John 16:33
As He did with Daniel, God defends his own today.
This morning, lets observe some things from Daniel 6 about Gods defense.
GOD DEFENDS THE PURE
Vss. 1-2 There was a new government because of the conquering done by the Persians. The new government needed executives. There were 120 princes responsible for various areas of the realm. Over these three princes were three presidents or commissioners. The head commissioner was Daniel. The purpose of this government set up was to make sure that the king did not suffer loss. The king would get the taxes that were coming to him.
Vs. 3 Of the 3 presidents, the best one of the lot was Daniel. Daniel had an excellent spirit. Daniel did his job better than anyone else!
Although Daniel was working for heathen people and a heathen king, he was still loyal to his God. Because he was loyal to his God, he did things correctly and with integrity!
Many of you work for people who are vile, corrupt, and lack integrity. You work for people who are not Christians. We are also under a government that often acts anything like Christian.
We are to act like Daniel, who was pure in spite of the fact he worked for the heathen.
In fact, Daniel was so good that the King planned on making him prime minister, second in command!
Daniel was pure because Daniel was faithful. We are to follow his example. 2 Corinthians 5:17
If you are a born again Christian God has changed your life. As a new creation, you are to live a life that is honoring to God. 1 Corinthians 16:10, Luke 16:10
We are to be faithful in all that we do, whether it be a little thing or a big thing. We will not be faithful in big things unless we are faithful in little things.
Vs. 4 Daniels fellow officials were jealous. They didnt like his leadership because of Daniels integrity. They started to look for ways they could bring him down. Today we would say that they started looking for skeletons in his closet. They were looking for some wrong doing, past or present that they could accuse him of. They found nothing!
Vs. 5 The enemies of Daniel came to a conclusion. They would find nothing to accuse Daniel unless it was concerning Daniels faith, the law of his God.
These men understood that if Daniel ever had to choose between being loyal to government and loyal to God, that Daniel would be loyal to God.
May this be true of us as well!
May we be so upright in our dealings with others, with our jobs, and yes with government that the only reason anyone can find legitimate fault with us is over our faith in Christ! Matthew 22:37
GOD DEFENDS AGAINST PLOTS
Daniels enemies devised a plot.
They realized that Darius liked Daniel.
Daniels faith had not stopped Daniel from being a loyal employee. Darius saw Daniels integrity and ability.
Darius would have to be tricked in order for them to eliminate Daniel. They formed a plot and then carried it out.
Vs. 7 In those days the kings could take on claims of deity. So the enemies of Daniel appealed to the ego of the king. Let it be, O king that nobody can pray to any other god but you for thirty days, and if anyone does pray to another God, let him be thrown into the lions den.
Notice the lie here. They claimed that all the presidents and everyone else had agreed to this plan. Daniel hadnt and he was the head president!
Vs. 8 They pressed to king to sign this law and to sign it in a hurry! They were like the aggressive car salesmen who want you to sign up to buy a car before you think about it!
The law of the Medes and Persians was that once a king had signed a law it could not be reversed!
Vs. 9 - Without thinking and without consulting Daniel, Darius signed the law.
Gods enemies will plot against Gods people.
They will plot against you in order that they may discredit you or remove you from your position.
But God will defend you as He did Daniel.
GOD DEFENDS AGAINST PRESSURE
Vs. 10 When Daniel knew that the writing was signed,
Daniel was under great pressure.
He knew that if he continued to do what he had always done he was going to thrown into the lions den.
Daniel was probably tempted to compromise.
Daniel was probably tempted to give in under pressure and become a secret worshipper of God.
But Daniel realized that compromise in this case was not right. Daniels whole reputation was at stake.
He was under pressure to give in.
There will be times when you will be tempted to compromise your faith.
There will be times when you will be forced to chose between doing something to please a friend, a boss, a loved one, or pleasing God.
The pressure is often great to give into the wishes of our peers instead of following God.
God defended Daniel when he was under pressure.
As well see in a minute, God gave him the strength to stand for what is right.
He will do the same for you.
God will defend us when we are under pressure. John 16:33
Peace during persecution is found in dependence upon the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the one who has overcome the world. 1 Corinthians 10:13
GOD DEFENDS THE PRAYERFUL
Vs. 10 Daniel did not change a thing. Some of the windows of his house pointed towards Jerusalem. He was in the habit of praying three times a day towards Jerusalem.
He didnt close his windows. He simply got on his knees, as he always did and prayed to God, pointing towards Jerusalem.
What do you do when youre under pressure?
Daniel prayed as was his habit!
We Christians are to people of prayer no matter what the circumstances.
Prayer is to be our habit. Psalm 55:16-17, 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Ephesians 6:18, 1 Peter 4:7
When the pressure comes, God wants you to pray.
But theres more here.
Look at the end of verse 10. DANIEL GAVE THANKS!
The pattern of our prayers is always to be with praise and thanksgiving. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
GOD DEFENDS AGAINST PERSECUTORS
Vs. 11 It should be of no surprise that Daniels enemies were ready to pounce! They watched to see what Daniel would do.
Your enemies, or should I say, Gods enemies will do the same for you! They will be watching for you to do something that they can persecute you for! They are like their boss, the devil. 1 Peter 5:8
Vss. 12-13 They came to the king with their accusation.
Vss. 14-15 The king was displeased with himself. He realized that he had been tricked! He did all that he could to release Daniel, but there was no solution.
My friend, persecutors can really give us a hard time over our faith in Christ. But remember this, God defends his own.
GOD DEFENDS AGAINST PERIL
Vs. 16-17 The King assured Daniel that Daniels God would take care of him as Daniel was cast into a den of hungry lions. The trouble is, the King didnt really believe it.
Vs. 18 The king had a miserable night. But, what about Daniel? We are told little. As well see God sent an angel to protect him. That means Daniel was able to sleep peacefully, knowing that God was taking care of him. As someone has suggested, the lions may have even snuggled close to him to keep him warm.
Vss. 20-23 Daniel was kept safe and his testimony was preserved.
Vs. 24 - Daniels persecutors were then cast into the same lions den. They were destroyed.
The conclusion of the story is found in Vss. 25-28.
A proclamation that was a tremendous testimony was made concerning Daniels God.
Daniel finished his days in peace and prosperity.
My friend, we will not always be delivered from suffering the pain or peril of a persecution. We are however assured of ultimate deliverance! Psalm 23:4, 6
GOD DEFENDS THE PURE
GOD DEFENDS AGAINST PLOTS
GOD DEFENDS AGAINST PRESSURE
GOD DEFENDS THE PRAYERFUL
GOD DEFENDS AGAINST PERSECUTORS
GOD DEFENDS AGAINST PERIL
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Psalm 101
RESOLVED!
RESOLVED TO PRAISE Vs. 1
RESOLVED TO PRACTICE Vs. 2
RESOLVED TO PURIFY Vss. 3-5, 7-8
RESOLVED TO PARTNER Vs. 6
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Proverbs 3:1-10
ITS WORTH IT!
(A COMPLETE LESSON)
· What have you done in your lifetime that wasnt really worth it?
· What have you done in your lifetime that has been worth it?
· How can you tell if something is worth it or not worth it?
In Proverbs 3:1-10 God shows us some things that are worth it. There are five things listed here that God says are worth it and He tells us why.
THE VALUE OF OBEDIENCE - QUALITY OF LIFE - Vss. 1-2
· This passage was originally a father talking with his son. Because Christians are the Children of God (Galatians 3:26), I believe we can apply this passage as if our Heavenly Father is talking to us.
· Vs. 1 - Do you think that we forget what we dont want to do? Why or why not?
· Why must Gods commandments be kept in the heart before we practice them as behavior?
· How do we get Gods Word from our heads to our hearts?
Psalm 119:11 - Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I
might not sin against thee.
Psalm 119:97 - O how love I thy law! it is my
meditation all the day.
Psalm 119:111 - Thy testimonies have I taken as an
heritage for ever: for they are the
rejoicing of my heart.
· The heart keeps what it loves; what it dislikes it lets go. The very soul of sin is here; an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God. William Arnot, Studies in Proverbs, pp. 81-82
· Vs. 2 How is peace added to the person who keeps Gods commands in his heart?
· But length of days is the promise to the righteous; whether for earth or for heaven, as their Father seems best for them. In itself the promise, for this life has no charm. Charles Bridges, A Modern Study in the Book of Proverbs, Revised by George F. Santa, (Milford, Michigan, Mott Media, 1978), p. 27
· As a general principle, do you think that those that obey Gods commands live longer lives?
THE VALUE OF LOVINGKINDNESS AND FAITHFULNESS - FAVOR WITH GOD AND MAN - Vss. 3-4
· Vs. 3 - Mercy refers to lovingkindness. Truth refers to faithfulness.
· How will lovingkindness affect our relationships with God and others?
· Why is faithfulness to God and man important?
Luke 16:10, 1 Corinthians 4:2
· Around the neck lovingkindness and faithfulness could be a decoration or a yoke. What is the value of each?
· How can we write lovingkindness and faithfulness on our hearts?
· Vs. 4 How will lovingkindness and faithfulness put us in the favor of God and man?
· How will lovingkindness and faithfulness prove to God and man that you have good understanding?
THE VALUE OF TRUST - DIRECTION - Vss. 5-6
· Vs. 5 What does it mean to ...trust in the Lord with all thine heart?
· How do we tend to lean unto our own understanding? Why is this dangerous?
· Vs. 6 - React to this statement: He (God) loves to be consulted. Bridges, p. 30
· How do prayer and obedience reflect trust?
· The promise is that God will guide us if we want Him to. How often do we really want Him to?
· Is there any decision too small to consult God about?
· Psalm 32:8 - I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.
THE VALUE OF REVERENCE - HEALTH - Vss. 7-8
· Vs. 7 We all reverence something or someone. But I believe that in essence, we will either reverence God or ourselves.
· How do fearing the Lord and departing from evil relate to each other? What would you say to a person who claims to fear God and continues in habitual sin?
· Where God is honored, sin is hated, loathed, and resisted. Bridges, p. 32
· Vs. 8 What kind(s) of health apply here?
THE VALUE OF GIVING - BLESSING - Vss. 9-10
· Vs. 9 - In what ways do Christians honor the Lord with their substance?
Luke 21:3-4 - And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that
this poor widow hath cast in more than they
all: For all these have of their abundance
cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of
her penury hath cast in all the living that she
had.
Philippians 4:18 - But I have all, and abound: I am full,
having received of Epaphroditus the
things which were sent from you, an
odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice
acceptable, wellpleasing to God.
2 Corinthians 9:7 - Every man according as he purposeth
in his heart, so let him give; not
grudgingly, or of necessity: for God
loveth a cheerful giver.
· Vs. 10 Why can we not out-give God if we give with the right attitude?
Proverbs 19:17 - He that hath pity upon the poor
lendeth unto the Lord; and that which
he hath given will he pay him again.
Philippians 4:19 - But my God shall supply all your
need according to his riches in glory
by Christ Jesus.
This is an expanded version of a previously shared Sermon Seed
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Matthew 15:29-39
THE MASTER AT WORK
MINISTRY TO THE MULTITUDE Vss. 29-31
MEETING WITH THE DISCIPLES Vss. 32-34
MULTIPLICATION OF RESOURCES Vss. 35-39
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Luke 5:1-11
PETERS BOAT
Have you noticed that God used many different things to accomplish his purposes.
He used Davids sling, the jawbone of an ass to help Samson, an axe head, five loaves and two fishes, a cross and an empty tomb to mention a few things.
He also used Peters boat.
I know that God can use you because you are like Peters boat mentioned in Luke 5:1-11.
Peters boat was the scene of the miracle of a miraculous catch of fish.
This was not the first time that Peter had met Jesus.
There are at least two other previous instances of Peter meeting Jesus.
Peters brother, Andrew, was a disciple of John the Baptist.
Andrew was present when John the Baptist identified Jesus as the lamb of, which taketh away the sins of the world. John 1:40-42
The original call of Jesus to Peter, Andrew, James and John is mentioned in Matthew 4:18-20.
The disciples appeared to follow Jesus on a part time basis, and then went back to their fishing. It is at the end of a long night of fishing that Peters boat comes into focus, and we see how we should be useable like Peters boat.
LIKE PETERS BOAT
YOUR HEART SHOULD BE A CHAPEL
Vss. 1-3 Jesus was teaching by the Sea of Galilee.
The crowds were very large and pressing upon him.
Nearby Peter, Andrew, James, and John were doing what fishermen did after a long night of fishing. They were washing out their nets and then setting them into the sun to dry.
Jesus requested use of the boat. So Peter thrust out a little from land and Jesus sat in the boat and taught the people.
The hills surrounding the lake helped make the area a natural amphitheatre.
The minute Jesus entered that boat it was not the same.
Jesus entered the boat and the boat became a chapel.
It was the residence, at least temporarily of God the Son.
The minute Jesus entered your life when you were saved you were no longer the same.
2 Corinthians 5:17
You became new in many ways when you trusted Jesus as Savior. A key way is that your heart became a chapel or a temple. It is a place where God dwells. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Because God dwells inside of me my body should be a place where He is worshipped. God should receive my reverence, my praise, my thanksgiving and my prayers. Psalm 89:1,7, Psalm 103:1-2, 1 Thessalonians 1:16-18
LIKE PETERS BOAT
YOUR HEART SHOULD BE A CLASSROOM
Vs. 3 Jesus taught the people.
The Teacher was present. Class was in session!
Did you know that like Peters boat, you have a resident teacher?
It is God, the Holy Spirit. John 16:12-14
How does God teach us?
First of all, He uses his Word. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Secondly God teaches us through the preaching of His Word. 2 Timothy 4:2
Thirdly God uses us to teach each other.
We teach others when we share Scripture.
We teach others when we share our experiences.
Finally, God teaches us through experience.
We learn to trust God through our trials.
We learn to do what is right when God chooses to correct us for what we have done wrong.
LIKE PETERS BOAT
YOUR LIFE SHOULD HAVE A CAPTAIN
Vs. 4 Did you ever have someone who knew nothing about your job, tell you how to do your job?
Peter would have thought that Jesus knew nothing about fishing. Jesus was a carpenter.
Jesus wanted Peter to go fishing when they had labored all night and caught nothing. The fish were not around.
Jesus wanted Peter to go fishing in the broad daylight, when nighttime would have been better.
Jesus wanted Peter to fish out in the deep, when it was customary to fish along the shore.
Peter would have had to load the big, heavy, wet nets back into his boat and go out for fish after having fished all night.
He was probably very tired, if not exhausted!
Luke 5:5 - And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.
Did Peter feel like fishing? No.
Did Peter think it was wise to fish? No.
Was Peter afraid at being laughed at for fishing at such an unusual time and place? Perhaps.
Did Peter understand what Jesus was doing? No.
Why did Peter concede to do it?
The moment that Jesus entered Peters boat, Jesus became captain.
Peter recognized him as Master and did as He was told.
My friend Jesus wants to be more than a guest in your life.
He wants to be Lord of your life!
He wants to call the shots!
He wants to tell you what to do.
He wants to be Lord of all. And, as someone has said, If Jesus isnt Lord of all, He isnt Lord at all!
John 13:13 - Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.
LIKE PETERS BOAT
YOUR LIFE SHOULD BE A CHANNEL
Vss. 5-7 Peters boat became the channel or means of a great miracle.
Vs. 8 Peter was amazed and convicted. He realized what a sinner he was and that he did not deserve to be in Jesus presence.
When God works miracles in our lives, we will be equally astonished and will realize how much we dont deserve them.
For we, too are sinful men and women.
Vs. 9-10 Jesus now tells Peter something phenomenal and wonderful! From that point on Peter would not fish for fish.
He would fish for men.
Peter, Andrew, James and John would all be those who would become the channel through which God would work to bring men and women to Himself and to lead them to life!
And so it is today. We are Gods channels who are to bring men and women to Jesus. We are the ones who are to tell the Good News of Jesus death burial and resurrection.
Mark 16:15
LIKE PETERS BOAT
YOUR LIFE SHOULD BE A CAST-OFF
Luke 5:11 - And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.
The boat was left behind.
Peter and the others left all to follow Jesus.
In their case the fishing boats needed to be forsaken.
You may not have to leave your job in order to follow Jesus.
But your life is to be such that you are willing to leave behind whatever is necessary in order to follow Jesus. Luke 9:23-24
LIKE PETERS BOAT
YOUR HEART SHOULD BE A CHAPEL
YOUR HEART SHOULD BE A CLASSROOM
YOUR LIFE SHOULD HAVE A CAPTAIN
YOUR LIFE SHOULD BE A CHANNEL
YOUR LIFE SHOULD BE A CAST-OFF
Sermon Seeds G43
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Romans 8:5-14
A BETTER WAY TO LIVE!
THE PROBLEM WITH THE FLESH Vss. 5-8
THE PRESENCE OF THE SPIRIT Vs. 9
THE PROMISE OF LIFE Vss. 10-14
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Hebrews 5:1-10
CHRIST, OUR HIGH PRIEST
PURPOSE FOR THE HIGH PRIEST Vss. 1-3
PLACEMENT OF THE HIGH PRIEST Vss. 4-6
PERFECTION OF THE HIGH PRIEST Vss. 7-10
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