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SERMON SEEDS FOR FEBRUARY 22, 2009

www.sermonseeds.org

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Rev. Jack Peters is the pastor of Ringwood Baptist Church in Ringwood, NJ. You may visit their website at www.ringwoodbaptist.org. To hear recordings of his messages go to Weekly Message.

 

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1 Samuel 18:1-9

CHANGED FOREVER

 

After the victory over Goliath David had:

 

A NEW FRIEND – Vss. 1, 3-4

A NEW HOME – Vs. 2

A NEW RESPONSIBILITY – Vs. 5

NEW ADMIRERS – Vss. 6-7

A NEW ENEMY – Vss. 8-9

 

 

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Psalm 1

CONTRASTS

THE GODLY MAN Vss. 1-3, 6

WHAT HE AVOIDS - Vs. 1

  1. The Counsel Of The Ungodly.

  2. The Way Of Sinners.

  3. The Seat Of The Scornful.

WHAT HE DOES - Vs. 2

  1. Delights In The Law Of The Lord (God's Word).

  2. Meditates In The Law Of The Lord Day And Night.

WHAT HE PRODUCES - Vs. 3

  1. Fruit In Its Season.

  2. Leaves That Never Wilt

  3. Prosperity In His Efforts

WHERE HE ENDS HIS LIFE - Vs. 6

   While the ungodly man perishes, the Lord knows the way of the righteous man.

 

THE UNGODLY MAN Vss. 4-6

WHAT HE PRODUCES - Vs. 4.

  Chaff - unusable part of the grain

 

WHAT HE AVOIDS - Vs. 5

   1. A Good Judgment.

   2. Ability To Stand With The Righteous.

 

WHERE HE ENDS HIS LIFE - Vs. 6

  His final resting place is hell. He will perish.

 

 

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Psalm 2

GOD IN CONTROL

 

As we look around us and see all the perversion, we might get discouraged.  We must remember that God is in control, and He is victorious over all sin.  In Psalm 2 we see four "voices". The first is rebellious man, and the other 3 are each member of the Trinity. In this passage we find:

 

THE REBELLION OF MAN Vss. 1-3

 

THE RESPONSE BY THE FATHER Vss. 4-6

 

THE RULE OF THE SON Vss. 7-9

Jesus will destroy the enemy and establish His millennial kingdom.

 

THE REMINDER FROM THE SPIRIT Vss. 10-12

 

 

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SONGS IN THE AIR!

IN STEP WITH THE MASTER (STUDIES IN LUKE) – LESSON #4

Luke 1:39-80    

 

Why is music important to most people?

Why is music an integral part of almost every church?

 

Our text primarily consists of three songs which are all in response to the phenomenal things that God was doing before the birth of His Song. Zacharias was told that he and Elizabeth would father a child named “John” in their old age. John would be the forerunner to the Messiah. Because of his unbelief, Zacharias was temporarily mute and probably deaf. Mary was told that she would be the mother of the Messiah and that he would be the “Son of God”. In spite of obvious hardships that would follow, Mary believed and accepted God’s plan for her life.

 

ELIZABETH’S SONG – ASSURANCE – Vss. 39-45

·        Vs. 39 – Having heard from Gabriel that Elizabeth was pregnant, Mary, with haste, went to visit Elizabeth.

·        Mary would have traveled south between 80-100 miles to a town in the hills of Judea, perhaps as close as 5 miles from Jerusalem. Her journey would have taken 3-4 days. What does this visit indicate to you?

·        Vs. 40 – Mary arrived at Zacharias’ home and made the customary greetings.

·        Vs. 41 – There is an immediate response from the fetus in the womb. Verses 15 and 44 interpret the meaning of this response by a 6 month old fetus. John was already filled with the Holy Spirit and pointing to Jesus as Messiah. What does John’s “leap for joy” teach us?

·        Vs. 42 – Under the influence of the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth confirms the message of Gabriel to Mary. How was this confirmation helpful to Mary?

·        Vs. 43 – Notice that Elizabeth was not jealous, but humbly glad that she could be a part of the Christmas drama that was being played out before her eyes. Notice Elizabeth’s personal faith in Christ.

·        Vs. 45 – Mary is being assured throughout this whole passage, and in conclusion she is assured that she was blessed because of her belief. How was Mary blessed because of her faith? How are we blessed when we believe?

 

MARY’S SONG – WORSHIP - Vss. 46-56

·        Mary’s song may not have been spontaneous. It is possible that as she traveled she had composed the song having meditated on the story of Hannah and other Scriptures.

·        Vs. 46 – “The song of Mary (called the Magnificat from its opening word in the Latin translation) is an outburst of praise largely in Old Testament language. In particular there are several resemblances to the song of Hannah (1 Samuel 2:1-10). But there is a difference in tone. Hannah’s song is a shout of triumph in the face of her enemies, Mary’s a humble contemplation of the mercies of God.” Leon Morris, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries, Vol. 3 (Revised Edition), Luke (Inter-Varsity Press, Leicester, England 1988) p. 83

·        Mary directed her praise to the Lord. The word “magnifies” means to praise or lift up.

·        Vs. 47 should annul any thoughts that Mary was sinless. As Godly as Mary was, she still needed a Savior.

·        Vs. 48 – Mary’s reason for rejoicing was her elevation from lowly handmaiden to all generations calling her blessed.  How has God elevated us as Christians?

·        Vs. 49 – The mighty God did a mighty miracle inside of Mary.  God’s name is Holy and He placed a holy child inside of Mary. Luke 1:35

·        Vs. 50 – God’s mercy or steadfast love is on them that fear him in all generations.  Describe the fear that causes God to pour out his mercy to us.

·        Vss. 51-53 – Although the verbs in this passage are in the past tense, Mary is looking ahead, seeing them accomplished in the future, probably through her son! How did Jesus fulfill each of these statements in these verses?

·        Vs. 54-55 – In the Lord Jesus the promise to Abraham would be filled. Genesis 12:3, 18:18, 26:3-5

·        Vs 56 – Mary probably remained until shortly before baby “John” arrived and then returned home.

 

ZACHARIAS’ SONG – PROPHECY – Vss. 57-80

·        Vss. 57-58 – Elizabeth gave birth to her son. Her neighbors and relatives rejoiced with her. I imagine that Elizabeth, who would have been viewed in a bad way when she was barren, was now somewhat a celebrity. 

·        Vs. 59 – Jewish children were circumcised on the eighth day as a sign of God’s covenant. Genesis 17:12-14

·        I think that those present at the circumcision and official naming of the child just assumed that the baby was automatically “Zacharias Junior”.  They probably figured that the couple had waited so long for a child that he should be named after his father.

·        Vs. 60 – Elizabeth knew what the name of the child was supposed to be, and insisted on the name “John”.

·        Vss. 61-62 – Tradition was being violated! According to custom, the child should have been named after a relative.  How does following tradition help a church?  How does following tradition hurt a church?

·        It appears that Zacharias was deaf as well as dumb because they had to signal to him to ask the child’s name.

·        Vs. 63 – Zacharias had been told the child’s name by Gabriel in Luke 1:13. I think the people marveled because of his agreement with Elizabeth, without him hearing what was said.

·        The name John means “Yahweh has been gracious”.  How was John a fitting name for this prophet?

·        Vs. 64 – The moment Zacharias named the child in obedience and faith, his tongue was loosed. The discipline was over. Zacharias emerged with a strong faith, and with praise to God! Proverbs 3:11-12

·        Vss. 65-66 – Why was the stir caused by these events not surprising?

·        Vs. 67 – Under the control of the Holy Spirit, Zacharias uttered what we know as the “Benedictus”.

·        Vs. 68 – It what ways is it awesome that the Lord visited His people?

·        The Lord also redeemed His people. The Lord Jesus certainly understood his ministry of redemption.            John 10:11, 17-18

·        Vs. 69 – A horn refers to the horn of an animal and is a symbol for strength. In this case it is the horn of salvation, promised to come through David.

·        Vs. 70 – Beginning in Genesis 3:15 there are prophecies concerning the coming redeemer. One of the most precious and complete prophecies is Isaiah 53.

·        Vs. 71 – In a real way, sin is our biggest enemy (Romans 6:23). Satan is the one that hates us (1 Peter 5:8).

·        Vss. 72-75 – The fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham (Genesis 22:15-18) in Christ leads to serving God without fear and in holiness and righteousness. How is this possible? 1 John 4:18-19, 1 Peter 1:15-16, Romans 5:1.

·        Vs. 76 – Zacharias now directs his attention to the ministry of his son. He was to be a prophet of God and the one preparing for the coming of the Lord. Isaiah 40:3, Malachi 3:1, 4:5

·        Vs. 77 – John would be getting Israel Spiritually ready for the appearing of their Messiah and would preach a Gospel of repentance towards remission of their sins. Luke 3:3

·        Vs. 78 – The “Dayspring” is the morning sun that came from Heaven to visit us. Jesus is the “sun of righteousness” referred to in Malachi 4:2.

·        Vs. 79 – In what ways has the Lord Jesus Christ fulfilled this verse?

·        Vs. 80 – In one verse Luke sums up John’s childhood. In what ways would dwelling in the wilderness prepare John for ministry?  Why did God keep John isolated until his time of ministry? Is there a lesson here for us?

 

 

 

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Luke 2:1-20    

BETHLEHEM BLESSING

IN STEP WITH THE MASTER – LESSON #5 – Studies in the Gospel of Luke

 

What was the most Spiritual Christmas you ever celebrated?

How do you think we as a church could celebrate Christmas better?

Why is a thorough understanding of Christmas necessary for us as Christians?

 

Carl Sandburg’s definition of a baby – ‘God’s opinion that the world should continue’ – admirably sets the stage for the Christmas story of Luke 2:1-20. The birth of Jesus Christ our Lord accentuates the doctrine of the incarnation, that God has entered the world by becoming human. The humble circumstances surrounding Jesus’ birth convey the message that God has identified Himself with the human condition. C. Marvin Pate, Moody Gospel Commentary, Luke (Chicago, Moody Press, 1995), p. 77

 

THE STAGE IS SET – Vss. 1-5

·        How and why does God influence history? Romans 11:33-36, Romans 13:1-2, Proverbs 16:24,

·        Vss. 1-2 – Caesar Augustus, originally Gaius Octavian, was the grandnephew of Julius Caesar.  When Julius Caesar was murdered it was learned that his will declared Octavian his son and heir.

·        Augustus made a decree calling for a census.  There is much debate concerning the time of this census. Luke’s dates do not seem to match what we know from history.  However there are some plausible explanations. 

·        We need to remember that Luke was an accurate historian and has never been proven wrong after all the facts were gathered.  Also remember that we are dealing with God’s Word which is infallible.

·        Vss. 3-5 - This census required that people return to their own city.  In this case Joseph had to go to the “City of David”.  Often Jerusalem is thought of as the City of David, but Bethlehem is Jesus’ hometown.

·        This passage also tells us that Joseph is of the “house and lineage of David”.  Why is this important?

·        It does not seem that Mary’s presence was necessary. What are, humanly speaking, possible reasons that she came?  What is the Scriptural reason for Mary to make the trip (Micah 5:2)?

·        We need to remember that when God makes a promise, that promise will be kept (Numbers 23:19). He will even influence the ruler of the whole civilized world to do His bidding.  How does this encourage you?

 

THE BABY IS BORN - Vss. 6-7

·        Mary gave birth. Of course it was a boy! She wrapped him in “swaddling clothes”. These were long strips of cloth wrapped around the limbs to give strength to the child and perhaps a sense of security.

·        Our understanding of an “inn” is nothing close to what the inn was like where Joseph and Mary sought lodging.  It very well could have been a crude place where caravans stopped. All that was available was a stall to sleep in and a place for the animals.  Every spot for human beings was filled.  It was in a stable, perhaps even a cave, where Jesus was born. The manger, most likely, was a feeding trough for animals.

·        How was it a demotion for God the Son? 2 Corinthians 8:9, Philippians 2:5-8

·        How was it a show of love from God the Father?

 

THE ANGELS ANNOUNCE – Vss. 8-14

·        Vs. 8 – Shepherds were on the low end of the social ladder. They were usually ceremonially unclean because of their work. They did not have a good reputation for integrity and their testimony was not admissible in the law courts.

·        Why do you think the announcement of Jesus’ birth came to shepherds? Psalm 138:6, John 1:29, 10:11

·        Vs. 9 – An angel, reflecting the glory of God, appeared to the shepherds. They were scared!

·        Vs. 10 – The angel is quick to comfort the shepherds. The angel was not there to cause grief but to bring good news! If this was good news for all people, why are we hesitant to share it?

·        Vs. 11 – Who do you think the “you” is in this verse?  Does it apply to us?

·        There are three titles given to Jesus here. First, He is Savior.  At Jesus’ birth most Jews were looking for a political Savior, giving salvation from Roman domination. But this was not God’s plan for Jesus during his first appearance on earth.

·        Jesus, of course, came to save us from our sins (Matthew 1:21).  Why was this salvation necessary?               Isaiah 64:6, Romans 3:10-18

·        Jesus was also called “Christ”, or “the anointed one”. This was the Jewish Messiah for which the Jews were waiting. Isaiah 9:6

·        Jesus was also Lord. The word conveys the idea of supremacy. It was often used as a term for deity. Peter affirmed that Jesus was both Christ and Lord in Acts 2:36.  What implications does Jesus’ Lordship have for our lives? Romans 10:9-10.

·        Vs. 12 – While there might have been other babies born in Bethlehem and wrapped in swaddling clothes that evening, there was only one lying in a manger. 

·        Vs. 13 – The news was of such great import for both Heaven and Earth that a multitude of angels had to proclaim His praise!

·        Vs. 14 – “Glory to God in the highest!” – Why?

·        Luke 2:14 (ESV) - “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

·        Who are the ones with whom God is pleased? Ephesians 2:8-9, John 1:12

·        What is the peace that God gives to those with whom He is pleased? Isaiah 48:22, Romans 5:1

THE SHEPHERDS SEE, SHARE AND SING – Vss. 15-18, 20

·        Vs. 15 – How is the response of the shepherds natural and admirable?

·        Vs. 16 – When the shepherds arrived, was there a halo around Jesus head?  How could they tell that Jesus was different from any other baby they had ever seen?

·        What do you think the shepherds said to the Wise Men? (Careful! Trick Question! Matthew 2:1, 11)

·        Vs. 17 – Why could the shepherds not keep their mouths shut?  I think that by the time the shepherds arrived and saw the child, it might have been dawn. Hence there would have been great opportunity for the shepherds to spread the good news. What obvious lesson do the shepherds teach us?

·        Vs. 18 – Why were people amazed at the shepherds’ message? Why are people amazed today at the Gospel message?

·        Vs. 20 – If you were one of those shepherds, what would you specifically praise God for?

·        How do you think that this event affected the shepherds over their lifetime?

 

MARY MEDITATES – Vs. 19

·        The word “kept” has been translated “treasured up”. 

·        How were the things that Mary had experienced and been told treasures worth pondering?

·        We should follow Mary’s example by treasuring the Christmas story and meditating on its implications for us.

·        In a broader sense, all of God’s Word is to be treasured and pondered.

·        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.

 

 

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KNOWLEDGE

Psalm 119

Christian Character Clinic #6

 

Our text for our studies is 2 Peter 1:5-7 - But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. (ESV)

We have already showed you that the quality out of which all the other qualities of Christian character flow is faith.

First of all there is the faith that is mentioned in 2 Peter 1:1-4. That’s saving faith. Without saving faith there’s no Christian character.

Besides saving faith there is trusting faith and praying faith.
Last time we saw that we need to have virtue, or moral excellence. 

Just as we are to supply or add moral excellence to our faith, we are to supply or add knowledge to our moral excellence!

·        How can you witness without having knowledge of the Gospel?

·        How can you help other Christians unless you have knowledge of the Word of God?

·        How can you grow spiritually unless you have a knowledgeable understanding of the Word of God?

As Christians we are to love the Word of God. Jeremiah did!  In Jeremiah 15:16 he said, Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.

We are to study the Word of God.

2 Timothy 2:15 - Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

The way we grow spiritually is by growing in knowledge.

2 Peter 3:18 - But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ…

Thankfully, God provides us help in understanding His Word through His Holy Spirit. John 16:13-14

Today I want to give you a very simple principle, that, if applied will make you a better student of the Word of God at home and in church. If applied, this principle will help you want to meditate in God’s Word and to be constantly in the Word of God.

The principle is actually a simple prayer, that if prayed sincerely will revolutionize your life and cause you to add knowledge to your Christian character.

This prayer is found seven times in the Psalm 119, which is a Psalm that celebrates the Word of God.

The prayer is simply “Teach me Thy Statutes” or “Teach me your statutes.”

God’s statutes or decrees are important. They are His way of doing things. They are His proclamations. They are His Word.

In order to gain knowledge you have to learn. In order to learn you need to want to learn. If you really want to learn God’s Word, you should pray with the Psalmist “Teach me Thy Statutes”.

This prayer appears 7 times in Psalm 119, and each time this prayer appears we are given a reason for praying “Teach Me Thy Statutes”.

BECAUSE YOU ARE WORTHY OF WORSHIP, TEACH ME YOUR STATUTES – Vs. 12

Psalm 119:12 - Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes.

The Psalmist says “Blessed are thou, O Lord!  You are worthy of adoration and praise.

One way to have a greater love for the Word of God and learning it is to have a greater love for the author.

We are to worship Him because He is God! Romans 11:33-36

We are to worship Him because He is creator. Revelation 4:11

We are to worship Him for our salvation and Spiritual blessings. Psalm 96:1-2, 68:19, revelation 5:12

Any God who is worthy of all this adoration and praise is certainly a God who can teach me something.

This is the Almighty God who can teach me something. I should desire knowledge. From the depths of my heart I should cry, Teach me Thy Statutes.

BECAUSE WE TALK, TEACH ME YOUR STATUTES – Vs. 26

Psalm 119:26 - I have declared my ways, and thou heardest me: teach me thy statutes.

Many feel that this verse is talking about confessing one’s sins to God. God hears us and forgives us. A good thing to do before we ask God to teach us is to review our lives and then confess and forsake sin. Psalm 32:5, 1 John 1:9, 1 Peter 2:1-3

I personally feel that this verse goes beyond confession of sin, although that is important and should be done.

We are invited to come to God and talk to Him about anything that troubles us! Philippians 4:6-7

It is as we come to him and pour out troubles, joys and desires before Him, that we will feel comfortable saying to Him, “Father, we’ve talked, and You’ve heard me, now please, teach me your statutes.”

BECAUSE I WANT TO FINISH WELL, TEACH ME YOUR STATUTES – Vs. 33
Psalm 119:33 - Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end.

There are pastors and lay people who started well but didn’t finish well.

There are those who have had very effective ministries and Christian testimonies and then have fallen by the wayside.

Sometimes they have had moral issues, but more often than have just gotten lethargic or lazy, or greedy, or lost their interest and gave up.

They remind me of the seed sown among thorns in Jesus’ parable about the sower and the soils. Luke 8:14

I want to be able to say with Paul at the end of my life,

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. (2 Timothy 4:7-8)

 

So, because I want to finish well, I need to still learn the Word of God and obey it.  I may someday retire from being a pastor, but I should never retire from learning God’s Word and growing unless I am physically or mentally unable!

Do you want to finish well? Do you want the Lord Jesus to be pleased with you when He calls you home?  Then you need to cry out to Him, “Lord, I want to finish well! Teach me Thy statutes.”

BECAUSE THE EARTH IS FULL OF YOUR LOVE, TEACH ME YOUR STATUTES – Vs. 64
Psalm 119:64 - The earth, O LORD, is full of thy mercy: teach me thy statutes.

The word “mercy” means “loving kindness” or “steadfast Love”.

God shows steadfast love in providing for the needs of  birds and animals.

God shows His steadfast love in sending the sun and the rain.

God shows His steadfast love when He protects us and meets our needs.

God shows His steadfast love every day no matter what trials we face. Lamentations 3:22-23

Has God shown you steadfast love through providing for your needs, giving you a wonderful mate, and children or maybe even grandchildren?

Shouldn’t you respond to that love by wanting to know Him better? Should you be crying out to Him, “Teach me thy statutes!”

BECAUSE YOU ARE GOOD, TEACH ME YOUR STATUTES – Vs. 68
Psalm 119:68 - Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes.

Remember that God is holy. He is set apart from sin.

He is also righteous, He does what is right.

And because God is holy and righteous God is good.

Not only is God good, but He does good things. 

Every time He answers a prayer, He does a good thing.

Every time He saves a sinner by His grace He does a good thing.

Every time He brings another saint home to Heaven He does a good thing! Nahum 1:7

BECAUSE YOU LOVE ME, TEACH ME YOUR STATUTES – Vs. 124

Psalm 119:124 - Deal with thy servant according unto thy mercy, and teach me thy statutes.

We said that the earth is full of the Lord’s steadfast love.

If you are a believer in Jesus Christ you are a personal recipient of the steadfast love of God. 1 John 4:10, 1 John 3:11,

And think of this! God’s love for you is an everlasting love! Jeremiah 31:3

My response to this wonderful love for me, should be, “Lord, you have loved me with an everlasting love, I want to love you with all my heart in return. Teach me your statutes!

BECAUSE I WANT YOUR APPROVAL, TEACH ME YOUR STATUTES – Vs. 135

Psalm 119:135 - Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes.

When God’s face shines us it means He approves.

We who so much want man’s approval, shouldn’t we want God’s approval. Shouldn’t we want to feel the warmth of His smile!

Should we not want to see His presence in our lives?

The best way to do that is to obey His Word. So we should cry to Him, “Lord I want your approval, teach me your statutes.”

This week we want to add knowledge to our moral excellence. We will do that as we cry out to Him in all sincerity, “LORD, TEACH ME THY STATUTES!”

 

·       BECAUSE YOU ARE WORTHY OF WORSHIP, TEACH ME YOUR STATUTES – Vs. 12

·       BECAUSE WE TALK, TEACH ME YOUR STATUTES – Vs. 26
BECAUSE I WANT TO FINISH WELL, TEACH ME YOUR STATUTES – Vs. 33

·       BECAUSE THEY EARTH IS FULL OF YOUR LOVE, TEACH ME YOUR STATUTES – Vs. 64

·       BECAUSE YOU ARE GOOD, TEACH ME YOUR STATUTES – Vs. 68

·       BECAUSE YOU LOVE ME, TEACH ME YOUR STATUTES – Vs. 124

·       BECAUSE I WANT YOUR APPROVAL, TEACH ME YOUR STATUTES – Vs. 135

 

For This Week – Beloved, this may seem simplistic, but all I’m asking you to do every day, several times a day, is to cry out to the Lord, “Lord, teach my statutes.”  Let’s see how that affects your thirst for knowledge of God’s Word.

 

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SELF-CONTROLLED

CHRISTIAN CHARACTER CLINIC #7

 

Self-control is the next character trait we get to work on as we proceed through the Christian Character Clinic as outlined in 2 Peter 1:5-7.

But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. (NKJV)

All of the Christian Character traits flow out of faith. We have said that the context here is saving faith. A person needs to have faith in Jesus Christ as their Savior. This is foremost. You can’t have Christian character unless you are a Christian.

We have said that besides saving faith, trusting faith and praying faith are important.

Following faith is moral excellence. We must learn to live lives that are morally pure and right.

Last week we shared the importance of knowledge.  It is important that we have an intimate, maturing knowledge of the Word of God.

We showed you the seven times in Psalm 119 that the Psalmist cries, “Teach me thy statutes!”  We encouraged you to make that your cry too.

Now, flowing out of faith is a quality which most of us seem to need more of. That’s self-control.

Let me share with you three basic facts about self-control this morning.

SELF CONTROL IS HEART CONTROL

Proverbs 4:23 - Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

We think of the heart as the real us. It is what we really are on the inside.  It includes the emotions and our minds. If the heart is not right you will lack self-control in all areas of your life.

Now right away we have a problem. Jeremiah 17:9

We naturally have an evil heart, a heart that does not please God.  Before we can go any further, our heart needs help.

God promises that help. Ezekiel 36:26

A new heart comes when a person admits his sinfulness and turns to the Lord Jesus Christ as the one who died for sin and rose again to give him eternal life. Romans 5:6-8

When a person trusts Christ as Savior, it is called being “born again”. When a person is born again, everything becomes new including the heart. 2 Corinthians 5:17

So, don’t expect to be able to keep or guard the heart until you have a new heart. Proverbs 25:28

The problem in Nehemiah’s day was that the walls were down around the city of Jerusalem. In those days that meant that there was no protection.

When we have no control over our own spirits or hearts, we are like a city without walls and vulnerable to every attack of Satan! Remember! When Satan gets in, bad stuff comes out! Mark 7:21-23

Whatever we do is a result of what we think about and long for on the inside. In most cases we think about doing something wrong before we actually do it.

It is no wonder that Paul instructs us in - 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.

Even though we as Christians have new hearts and new natures, we will not get rid of the old nature until we see Jesus face to face and become like Him. Therefore we need to allow the new heart to control us.

I believe that the ultimate issue in our hearts is who do we love? Matthew 6:24

Jesus says you cannot serve God and money. He implies that you cannot serve God and anything or anyone else.

The key question is who do you love?  Who has your heart?

One of the greatest problems we have in our lives is fear and worry.  I have discovered for myself that this is a love issue.     1 John 4:18-19

Jesus said in John 14:15, If ye love me, keep my commandments.

When I am worrying or show any other lack of self-control I do not love my Lord and Master.

You and I need to keep our hearts in order to have self-control.  We can only keep our hearts if we have been born again and love God first and foremost.

Revelation 2:4-5 - Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

SELF CONTROL IS BODY CONTROL 

If I love the Lord I will want to keep my body under control for His sake.

The body is out of control when we do things that displease the Lord.

One way to know if the body is out of control is to ask the question, “Would I do this if I could see the Lord Jesus standing here next to me?”

We need to remember the admonition of Proverbs 15:3 -The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.

So how do I get my body under control?  I surrender! I wave the white flag! I give up! Romans 12:1

Every part of me I yield to God as a living sacrifice, exclusively for his service. Luke 9:23-24

Self-control requires one to deny himself. The next step we must take is to take up our crosses, which means to die to ourselves.

There is one more step. That is to follow Jesus exclusively.  We must let Him direct every part of our lives. It means to take another master. This is hard because we love ourselves so much.

These steps to self-control are made possible through the realization that something very important happened on the cross that should affect my life-style now. Galatians 2:20

If I am a born again Christian, when Christ died on the cross, I died with Him.  How can that be?  He took my place. So when He died, I died too!

This is important because Romans 6:7 tells me, For he that is dead is freed from sin.

I am no longer obligated to serve sin.

And although I died on the cross, I am still alive. Romans 6:3-4

This is the testimony of believer’s baptism!

When Christ died, I died. When Christ was buried, I was buried. When Christ rose to new life, I rose to new life.

When I am baptized as a believer, I am not only following the pattern of Scripture, being baptized after I have believed, but I am testifying of my new life in Christ! If you have not been baptized as a believer, I strongly urge you to do so.

So going back to Galatians 2:20, Paul says, nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me:

The Lord Jesus Christ lives in each believer through the Holy Spirit of God. That means that I have the power of the Son of God living inside of me. As I trust Him, my self-control is changed into His control!

and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

I should strive to allow Christ’s control in my life because He loved me so much by giving His life for mine.

There is probably someone in your life to who you are forever grateful for something they did for you. You would do anything for them out of your gratitude.

Show you’re gratitude for what Jesus has done for you by putting your body under His control.

SELF CONTROL IS SPIRIT CONTOL

I am actually going to say what I said a moment ago in a different way.

I told you to allow Christ to have control of your body.

I also told you that Christ is present in your life through the presence of His Holy Spirit in your life. John 14:16-18

So if I want Christ to have control of my body, I need to allow the Holy Spirit to have control of my body. I must give up my own control of my life in favor of Christ control or Spirit control of my life.

Ephesians 5:18 - And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

How will the control of the Holy Spirit help me?

Galatians 5:16 - This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.

Now in case you are wondering what these lusts of the flesh are, take a look at Galatians 5:19-21.

Please note that these lusts of the flesh are all things that are a lack of self-control!

In Galatians 5 Paul is telling us that if we are under the control of the Holy Spirit we will not lack self-control.

Instead we will produce the fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23

 

So, how do I experience the filling or the control of the Holy Spirit in my life?

We actually visit two concepts we talked about previously, death and faith. This time let’s call them death and dependence.

DEATH

Galatians 5:24 - And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

If we have died with Christ as Galatians 2:20 said, we have put to death the flesh, the source of our self-control. We’ve put to death the flesh with its “passions and desires”. You are no long obligated have your lack of self-control control you!

·        You are dead to anger controlling you.

·        You are dead to worry controlling you.

·        You are dead to immorality controlling you.

·        You are dead to pornography controlling you.

·        You are dead to gossip controlling you.

·        You are dead to a sharp tongue controlling you.

·        You are dead to dishonesty controlling you.

Remember, you died with Christ. You rose with Christ. You have the power of Christ through the Holy Spirit living inside of you. Romans 6:11

DEPENDENCE

Galatians 5:25 - If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

If the Holy Spirit has given you new live in Christ, and He has! Then you should now depend on the Holy Spirit to control you.

I suggest that several times a day this week that you take a moment to confess any known sin done that day, count on the fact that you are dead to sin. And then, in humble dependence, ask God to control or fill you with His Holy Spirit.                        1 John 5:14-15

One of the character traits that we are trying to develop is self-control. Ironically, the only way we can have self-control is if we die to self and let God’s Holy Spirit control us.

SELF CONTROL IS HEART CONTROL

SELF CONTROL IS BODY CONTROL

SELF CONTROL IS SPIRIT CONTROL

 

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