SERMON SEEDS G42 FOR 1/5/04
Posted by: jpeters <jpeters@...>
WELCOME TO SERMON SEEDS FOR JANUARY 5, 2003
A REQUEST FROM JACK AT SERMON SEEDS Would you consider taking a moment this week and forwarding Sermon Seeds to others who might be interested? This is the best way of helping this ministry. Thanks!
TO SUBSCRIBE - Send a blank e-mail to: sermonseeds-subscribe@welovegod.org
TO UNSUBSCRIBE - Send a blank e-mail to: sermonseeds-unsubscribe@welovegod.org
***************************************************************************
I INVITE YOU TO VISIT OUR CHURCHS NEW WEBSITE AT http://www.mtunionbc.com
***************************************************************************
PASTOR MAIL is a mailing list for male pastors. The purpose of the list is to share sermons, outlines, illustrations and prayer requests. To subscribe send a blank email to pastormail-subscribe@associate.com
MOUNT UNION ECHOES is a mailing list that includes a full text sermon from Pastor Jack Peters. To subscribe send a blank email to mountunionechoes-subscribe@welovegod.org
************************************************************************************
Joshua 24:14-15
MAKE UP YOUR MIND
Joshua 24:14-15 - Now therefore fear the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the Lord. [15] And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
At the end of his life, Joshua was challenging the children of Israel to be faithful to their God.
They needed to make up their minds (decide) whom they would serve.
PREFERRED CHOICE Vs. 14
Of course, the preferred and best choice was to fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and truth. All other Gods were to be put away!
POSSIBLE ALTERNATIVES Vs. 15a
There were other gods that could be worshipped including the gods of Egypt and the gods of the Amorites. The God of Israel was superior to these gods that really werent gods. It is still not wise or logical to choose alternatives to the true and living god, but people do it all the time.
PERSONAL DECISION Vs. 15b
As far as Joshua and those he led in his family, this was a no-brainer. He and his family would serve the Lord!
***************************************************************************
2 Samuel 19:1-8
LEADER IN DISTRESS
The loss of a child at any age is a sad occurrence. David lost his son Absalom as a result of Absaloms revolt against his father. Although Absalom was killed and his rebellious army defeated, David still longed for his son. His distress was so bad that it even affected those who had faithfully supported their king when he had to flee Jerusalem.
A SAD KING Vss. 1-4
What should have been a day of rejoicing was turned into a day of sorrow.
A STRONG REBUKE Vss. 5-7
Joab was justified in rebuking David. Although Davids sorrow was somewhat justified, the people who had saved Davids life and regained for him his throne needed to hear a good word from their king.
A STRENGTHENED PEOPLE Vs. 8
David appeared and the people were encouraged.
***************************************************************************
Psalm 41
THE LIFE OF A RIGHTEOUS MAN
THE RIGHTEOUS MANS PRESERVATION Vss. 1-3
THE RIGHTEOUS MANS PROBLEMS Vss. 4-9
THE RIGHTEOUS MANS PROTECTION Vss. 10-12
THE RIGHTEOUS MANS PRAISE Vs. 13
***************************************************************************
Luke 2:41-52
ON THE GROW!
#1 UNIQUELY LUKE
(This series deals with the non-Christmas passages which are unique to the Gospel of Luke)
We are talking about growth today. We love babies, but we are unhappy when they don't grow properly. We love baby Christians, but we are unhappy when they don't grow properly.
We are looking at the only incident recorded about Jesus' childhood.
The interesting thing we want to note tonight is that the Lord Jesus had to grow up just like the rest of us. Jesus was God at birth, but because He came as a human, He went through the growth process, just like us. The only difference is that He did it perfectly.
Vs. 40 - All that Luke tells us about Jesus' life from the time he was presented in the temple until He was twelve years old is found in this verse.
Luke tells us that his childhood was normal.
According to this verse Jesus grew physically, intellectually and spiritually.
PARTNERSHIP IN SPIRITUAL THINGS - Vss. 41-42
Vs. 41 - At first, it was required that devout Jews would go to Jerusalem three times a year. By the time Mary and Joseph lived, once a year was required by custom. It was at Passover when Mary and Joseph made the prescribed trek.
Notice that it was not just the custom of Joseph, nor just the custom of Mary. In fact the law was for the males to assemble, so she could have stayed home. They went together!
Mary and Joseph were not rich. There would have been the loss of income. There would have been the long journey, probably on foot. There would have been a need for someone to watch the other children. And Mary might have made some of these trips while pregnant. Yet they went together.
Too many church children in this country have witnessed a disparity between parents. Generally speaking one will do the training. One will do the going, one will to the leading in Spiritual things, while the other one just tags along or does absolutely nothing, or discourages the whole matter.
Genesis 2:24 - Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.
Husband and wife should be one flesh emotionally, spiritually and physically.
Marriage is a partnership. Genesis 2 also states that the woman is to be a helper to the man. Thinking of Spiritual things, this would imply that both husband and wife are to be involved, but the husband is to take the lead.
It is good that husbands and wives pray together, study the scriptures together and serve the Lord together.
Vs. 42 - Mary and Joseph's Spiritual partnership is seen in the raising of their son.
At age 12 Jesus was ready to go to the feast also. At around age 12 or 13, at puberty, a Jewish boy became personally committed to his religion. We think of it as Bah Mitzvah today. Some Christian denominations offer confirmation. The idea is the same. The child becomes personally responsible for his or her religious faith.
In the Jewish faith a boy became a "son of the covenant" or "son of the law."
Note that when Jesus was 12 his parents did not send Him to Jerusalem. They went as a family. The parents led by their own personal example. Psalm 92:13, Proverbs 22:6
We have children who are not as Spiritual as our Lord.
How much more do they need our direction and help?
No matter how old we are as parents, let's make sure that we have a partnership in Spiritual things, and that we strive to be the right example.
PROBLEM IN JERUSALEM - Vss. 43-45
Vs. 43 - I believe that Jesus now considered himself to be a "Child of the Law" or "Child of the Covenant". It was his own personal responsibility to seek out God's Word, and He did!
There should be a time when our children start to show Spiritual interest. We should encourage them! Let them strike out on their own in pursuit of the things of God.
Vs. 44 - You might ask, "How could parents be so irresponsible?"
Well, first of all, Jesus probably never missed an
appointment in His life. He was a compliant, obedient
Son.
Secondly, the family would have traveled in a caravan. Family, friends and neighbors would have traveled together. Also, the custom was that the women and children traveled in front, and the men in the back. Jesus was at that age when he could have been with either group. Mom may have thought he was Dad, and Dad may have thought he was with Mom.
Vss. 45-46a - Jesus was missing for three days. The first day was
the trip out.
The second day was the trip back.
They found Him on the third day.
PRIORITIES IN FOCUS - Vss. 46-50
Vs. 46 - Jesus was found in the temple. He was not where the sacrifices were offered, but rather on a porch or in a room in the temple complex.
Jesus was meeting with the teachers of the law. Because this was a feast time, there was a good possibility of a great number of the noted teachers being there.
The method of learning for that day was for both teacher and student to ask and answer questions. This is what Jesus was involved in when his parents found him.
Vs. 47 - Of course this verse should not surprise us. Jesus was well advanced in his knowledge of God's law. His grasp of the law was amazing to the teachers of the law. Although Jesus was not yet the teacher, He showed His great potential.
Vss. 48 - You can imagine both the relief and the consternation of Mary and Joseph. They were relieved that Jesus was found safe and sound. They were ticked off that Jesus had stayed behind and caused them so much grief.
Vs. 49 - Now Jesus shows us His priorities.
Jesus always knew who He really was.
Although He reverenced His earthly Father, His true
Commitment was to His real Father. His commitment
was to God, His Father!
Mary and Joseph should have known that Jesus was going to be about His Father's business, in His Father's house!
More than anything else, Jesus came to do the Father's will.
Hebrews 10:7 - Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.
John 17:4 - I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.
Luke 22:42 - Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
Jesus says, I must be about my Father's business.
To do the will of God was the most important priority of Jesus' life.
The priority of Jesus is His Father's house, His Father's business.
It is a must that He do what the Father wants Him to do!
Just think of what you and I will be saying if we say "I must be about my Father's business." Here are some suggestions.
I must pray.
I must read.
I must memorize.
I must meditate.
I must be filled with the Spirit.
I must attend.
I must share.
I must obey.
One of our greatest problems is that we don't feel compelled to do these things. That's how we get away from doing them.
When things are a must, they get done!
With God's help, let's make the right things a must in our lives.
I need to learn to say, you need to learn to say, "I MUST!"
Vs. 50 - His parents didn't understand.
Had they had Him so long, that they forgot who He
really was?
This lack of understanding was a problem people would have with Jesus all His life. Not even His disciples always understood His commitment to the Father. They didn't always comprehend His "I musts!"
And friend, when our priority is to do our Father's business, there will be times when people will not under the "I musts" that the Father has given us to do.
PROCESS OF DEVELOPMENT - Vss. 51-52
Vs. 51 - It is important to note, that although Jesus did express some independence in His commitment to His Heavenly Father, He did not become an impertinent twelve-year-old!
Luke quickly shows us that Jesus stayed in submission to His parents. As kids and teens begin to express their Spiritual independence, we all remember that they are not to throw off all authority! Honor, obedience and respect are still to be given to parents.
There is a little aside in this verse. Note that Mary "kept all these sayings in her heart." Also look at Luke 2:19. - Read.
I believe that these remembrances of Jesus birth and early years came from Mary. Luke was an historian. I believe Luke did His homework. Mary, who remembered, shared what had happened.
Of course, all of this was under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, who is the true author of the Scriptures.
Vs. 52 - Now we see that there was a normal process of development for our Lord. He grew in four areas that everyone of us should grow in.
HE GREW INTELLECTUALLY - wisdom
HE GREW PHYSICALLY - stature
HE GREW SPIRITUALLY - favor with God
HE GREW SOCIALLY - favor with man
And we too, should grow in these areas:
Intellectually - Continuing to accrue the right kind of wisdom.
Physically - Taking care of our bodies.
Spiritually - Continuing to grow in grace and knowledge.
Socially - Making friends and being a good testimony.
PARTNERSHIP IN SPIRITUAL THINGS - Vss. 41-42
PROBLEM IN JERUSALEM - Vss. 43-45
PRIORITIES IN FOCUS - Vss. 46-50
PROCESS OF DEVELOPMENT - Vss. 51-52
***************************************************************************
John 7:37-39
LIVING WATER!
INVITATION TO COME John 7:37 - In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
INDWELLING OF LIVING WATER - John 7:38 - He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
INSIGHT FROM JOHN - John 7:39 - (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
***************************************************************************
1 Peter 4:7-11
Share Time
Ever since we were small children we have been taught to share.
We've been told that it is not nice to be selfish.
We've been told that it is good to let others have some of what we have.
Sharing is a Biblical principle.
The Bible teaches us to share our faith with others. In light of eternity, that's something too important not to share.
The Bible also teaches us to share our joys and sorrows with fellow believers, and to share our wealth with the church and with those in need.
In 1 Peter 4:7-11 we find some verses that encourage us to do some sharing.
The beginning of verse 7 says, "But the end of all things is at hand:"
The next event on God's prophetic calendar is something we call the rapture. Jesus Christ will come for his church, His followers and take us to Heaven. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
Of course there are more events that will take place after the Rapture of the church, but we won't get into them now. We might say that the Rapture is the beginning of the end.
In verse 7 Peter says, "The end of all things is at hand." That means the end could come at any time! There is no other event on God's prophetic schedule that needs to be fulfilled before Jesus returns. Titus 2:13, 2 Peter 3:8-9
Jesus could come at any time for His church and we will all go home on "the family pan".
But let me remind you of something else. Jesus could come at any time for you. Just after Christmas a man in our son Dave's church died suddenly of a heart attack. He was only about 50 years old. When I was in college a 19 year old friend of mine named Dave Davies went to Florida on Spring break. He never returned. There was a wreck. Dave was killed. Dave has been in Heaven for almost 35 years.
We never know when Jesus will say, "My child, it's time for me to take you home." Therefore, in a real way the coming of the Lord Jesus is always at hand.
If the coming of Jesus is so close at hand, we need to be those who live in a way that pleases the Lord. We need to obey the teachings of verses 7-11 and learn to share.
SHARING WITH GOD - Vs. 7
The end of all things could happen to us at any time. Therefore, God says be sober. This means to be "sober-minded".
People who are "drunk" do not think clearly.
Christians who are "sober-minded" think clearly and seriously.
When we are thinking clearly we will be watching in prayer, because the Lord could come and take us home at any time!
We share with God when we pray. He has decreed that He will accomplish His work on earth through our prayers. Matthew 7:7-11, 1 John 5:14-15
Is living a Godly life God's will for you? Ask God to help you!
Are people getting saved God's will? Ask God to save souls!
Is Christians living Godly lives, God's will? Ask God to help your Christian friends. We should pray for our friends the way Paul prayed for his in Ephesians 1:16-23, 3:14-21, Philippians 1:9-11 and Colossians 1:9-14.
SHARING LOVE - Vs. 8
We are to have fervent love for fellow believers. Such love covers the multitude of sins.
I believe that this means that we deal with sin Biblically, not broadcasting the sins of others when it is not necessary.
I believe this also means that when we love fervently we will forgive others. Ephesians 4:32
SHARING OUR HOMES - Vs. 9
Although there does not appear to be as much need for hospitality today, we should open our homes to fellow believers. When we open our homes we should not do so grudgingly, but willingly. On our missions trip we visited in a home that was poor by Suriname standards. And yet, we were received warmly and graciously. We were served coffee and friend bananas as a snack.
SHARING OUR SPIRITUAL GIFTS - Vss. 10-11
Vs. 10 - God has given you a Spiritual gift. It is a supernatural ability given to you so you can bless others. We are to use these gifts as good stewards. A steward was a household manager who was responsible for the distribution of his master's property.
Vs. 11 - Spiritual gifts fall into two categories. There are speaking gifts and serving gifts. Those who speak should speak as they are speaking for God. Those who serve should serve according to the ability that God has given. Whatever our gift, we are to use it for the glory of God.
Sermon Seeds C50
***************************************************************************
Revelation 4
A GLIMPSE OF HEAVEN
HEAVENLY SUMMONS Vss. 1-2
HEAVENLY SCENE Vss. 3-7
HEAVENLY SERVICE Vss. 8-11
***************************************************************************
HAVE THESE SERMON SEEDS BLESSED YOU? THEN, PLEASE PASS THEM ALONG!
ABOUT SERMON SEEDS:
Sermon Seeds is a weekly e-mailing of free brief sermon outlines from Pastor Jack Peters. These outlines are meant to help other pastors and Bible Teachers in their own preparations.
These outlines are only "seeds". They are not sermons ready for you to preach. Feel free to improve on these outlines anyway the Lord leads you.
TO SUBSCRIBE - Send a blank e-mail to: sermonseeds-subscribe@welovegod.org
TO UNSUBSCRIBE - Send a blank e-mail to: sermonseeds-unsubscribe@welovegod.org
PLEASE VISIT OUR WEB SITE!
http://www.sermonseeds.org is the location for the Sermon Seeds Archives. You will find most of the outlines from these e-mail editions, plus links to other helpful web pages. Be sure to sign the guest book, and tell me a little about yourself.
JACKS EMAIL ADDRESS jpeters@alltel.net
TALK TO JACK THROUGH INSTANT MESSAGING
I welcome live correspondence with those on the Sermon Seeds list. To put me on your "buddy list" here is the information you need.
AOL AIM JackPeters1947
MSN (Microsoft) - johnwpeters@hotmail.com
VISIT OUR WEBSITE - http://www.sermonseeds.org
This ministry has grown over the years because people like you have told others about Sermon Seeds. Always feel free to forward the weekly Sermon Seeds email to those who you think might be interested in these outlines. Also, please share our website address with others as well. Thank you for your support.