SERMON SEEDS H2 FOR 3/15/04
Posted by: jpeters <jpeters@...>
SERMON SEEDS FOR MARCH 8, 2004
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REAL MEN HAVE INTEGRITY
REAL MEN #5 NATHAN
This is a complete lesson.
V What is integrity?
V When have you seen a lack of integrity?
V Name some men you know who have or did have integrity. In what ways did they show it?
V In what ways will being a man of God help a man be a man of integrity?
V What are some of the things a man of integrity will care about?
Our study this week introduces us to Nathan, a man of God who was also a man of integrity. He showed that he was a man of God and a man of integrity by the things he cared about. Here are four things that Nathan cared about that we should care about as men of God and men of integrity.
HE CARED ENOUGH TO CORRECT HIMSELF
1 Chronicles 17:1-15
& Have you ever spoken out, and then discovered that you
had spoken out of turn? Give us an example.
& Why is it often difficult to go back and correct what you
said?
& Nathan gave his blessing upon David building a temple
for God. He actually told David that God was with him.
Vss. 1-2
& Why do you think Nathan answered David the way he
did?
& Do we ever claim to know Gods will or act like we do
when we dont? Give an example.
& Nathan discovered that he had spoken incorrectly.
Vss. 3-14
& What might have held Nathan back from going and
telling David the corrected message?
& Nathan corrected himself and gave David the accurate
message from God. Vs. 15
& What does Nathans behavior teach us?
HE CARED ENOUGH TO CONFRONT SIN
2 Samuel 12:1-14
F David's sins concerning Bathsheba and Uriah are described in 2 Samuel 11.
F Nathan confronted David about his sin. What were the risks involved with confronting David? What are the risks involved when we confront others with sin?
F Why do you think he used a story in Vss. 1-7
F After David was ready to take action against the man who stole the other mans sheep, Nathan nails David with the words, Thou art the man and exposes Davids sin.
Vss. 8-12
F How do we know when it is time to confront someones sin?
F How do we go about confronting someones sin?
Galatians 6:1 - Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault,
ye which are spiritual, restore such an one
in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself,
lest thou also be tempted.
F Nathan got good results. David repented. Nathan announces that the child will die. Vss. 13-14
F Not everyone will react to confrontation as well as David did. What do we do when they dont?
HE CARED ENOUGH TO COMFORT
2 Kings 12:24-25
© Although Nathan was quick to confront David about sin, he was just as quick to bring God's message of comfort.
© What might have made Nathan reluctant to deliver this new message? Is it hard sometimes to switch gears and bring comfort after bringing a rebuke?
© What must we remember about forgiveness and mercy from Gods perspective?
© The nickname given to Solomon means "Beloved of God". A man of integrity does not have a one-dimensional message. He is to be an encourager as well as a preacher against sin. Timothy was told to encourage as well as to reprove and to rebuke. 2 Timothy 4:2
HE CARED ENOUGH TO COOPERATE
1 Kings 1
~ David was near death, and one of Solomon's brothers planned to take the throne away from Solomon. Vss. 5-7
~ What mistake did David make? Vs. 6
~ What does verse 8 tell us about Nathan and the others mentioned in this verse?
~ As the conspiracy grew, what did the revolutionaries realize about Nathan and the others? How does this show Nathans integrity? Vss. 9-10
~ Nathan establishes a plan with Bathsheba. Why did they both need to say the same thing? Why could Nathan carry out this sort of plan and still maintain his integrity?
Vss. 13-14
~ Nathan and Bathsheba both told David about the plot to anoint a different king. Is it possible that this type of approach is suitable in the church today? Vss. 15-27
~ David had Solomon anointed king. Vss. 28-40
~ In what ways should men of integrity cooperate with other believers today?
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Psalm 123
HANG IN THERE!
When people are going through trials, I like to tell them that my favorite theologian Dottie Peters (my wife) says, The whole Bible can be summed up in three words, HANG IN THERE!
This little Psalm shows us that hanging in there simply involves keeping our eyes fixed on the Lord.
FOCUS - Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens. [2] Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the Lord our God,
FAITHFULNESS - until that he have mercy upon us.
FOES - [3] Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy upon us: for we are exceedingly filled with contempt. [4] Our soul is exceedingly filled with the scorning of those that are at ease, and with the contempt of the proud.
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Isaiah 6
ISAIAHS VISION
ISAIAH SAW THE GLORY OF GOD Vss. 1-4
ISAIAH SAW THE GRAVITY OF HIS SIN Vs. 5
ISAIAH SAW THE GRACE OF GODS MERCY Vss. 6-7
ISAIAH SAW THE GREATNESS OF HIS RESPONSIBILITY Vss. 8-13
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Mark 15:1-38
CONSIDER CALVARY
Jesus died for that very serious condition called sin. It was on the cross of Calvary that He took on His shoulders the very sins for which you and I should be punished! Isaiah 53:5-6, 2 Corinthians 5:21
Recently there has been a movie out called The Passion of the Christ. Someone asked me if Id seen the movie, and I answered No, but Ive read the Book!
This morning I want to take you to that book, the Bible, to Mark 15:1-38, the story of Jesus crucifixion and ask you to Consider Calvary, the place where Jesus died for you and me.
By way of review:
Jesus had celebrated the last supper and had given the famous "Upper Room" discourse.
He gave His great intercessory prayer in John 17.
He went to the garden and in prayer prayed three times, And he said Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt. (Mark 14:36)
While in the garden, Judas came with a mob and betrayed the Lord Jesus with a kiss. Jesus was taken away to face the high priests and the Sanhedran, the official ruling body of the Jews.
Mark tells us of the trial of Jesus, held illegally in the middle of the night in Mark 14:53-65.
The Jewish Law stated that two witnesses were needed to condemn a man, and that they had to agree. They had difficulty doing that. Finally the high priest decided to ask Jesus directly about His identity. Mark 14:60-64
PILATE'S RELUCTANT CONSENT - Vss. 1-15
Pontius Pilate was the Roman governor, charged with keeping the Roman rule in tact. The Jews could not legally put anyone to death, so they needed Pilate's consent. In a human sense, Jesus' fate was now in the hands of Pontius Pilate.
Vs. 1 - Evidently there was another brief counsel meeting where those who made up the Sanhedran, chief priests, the elders and the scribes made "official" what had happened the night before.
With this in mind they bound Jesus, as if binding was necessary, and took Him off to face Pontius Pilate.
Vs. 2 - Jesus was presented to Pilate by the high priests as a would-be king, trying to usurp authority from the emperor, Caesar. They had taken His Spiritual claims to being the Messiah, The Son of God, and changed them into a political claim. The first time Jesus came, He did not come as a political ruler. The next time He comes, He will set up His kingdom as "King of Kings and Lord of Lords".
So Pilate asked him point blank- "Are you King of the Jews?"
Jesus answer could very well have meant, "Yes, but not with your exact meaning." He was and is King, but He was no threat to Caesar at that time. He did not come to overthrow Roman Rule. He came to save souls, by dying in their place.
Vss. 3-5 - The high priests made all sorts of false accusations.
The one on trial had the right to defend himself.
Jesus remained silent It was obvious to Pilate that the Jews had the wrong motives in bringing Jesus before him.
It was amazing to Pilate that Jesus could remain silent.
And Pilate was not fooled. He knew that Jesus was innocent. In John 18:38, Pilate says "I find in him no fault at all."
Vs. 15 - Notice that Pilate gave in.
Instead of doing what he knew to right, he allowed Jesus to be crucified. He didn't want a riot on his hands.
He had Jesus scourged or flogged.
THE SOLDIERS' REPULSIVE CONDUCT - Vss. 16-28
Vs. 21 - We know that Jesus did carry his own cross, or perhaps part of it for a short distance. John tells us that in his Gospel.
But, Jesus has been through much in the past several hours, and his physical weakness requires the Romans to "volunteer" someone to carry the cross. This Simon of Cyrene carries the cross and perhaps became a believer. His sons are known to those to whom Mark is writing.
Vss. 23-24 - The drink had some sort of narcotic in it to weaken ones senses. Jesus would have none of it. He was in total control until the end.
The gambling that was done for Jesus' clothes was a fulfillment of Psalm 22:18 - They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.
THE PEOPLE'S REBELLIOUS CHALLENGE - Vss. 27-32
Vss. 27-32
The ironic thing about all of this is that Jesus could have come down off the cross.
He could have saved Himself.
He could have destroyed His enemies.
But it was staying on the cross that saved others.
It was staying on the cross that atoned for our sins.
It was staying on the cross that made Him the Savior of the world.
How much did God love you? (Stretch hands.) This much!
There is a happy note here.
Yes both thieves who were on crosses mocked him.
But one had a change of heart. Luke 23:39-43
THE SAVIOR'S RIGHTEOUS CONQUEST - Vss. 33-38
Jesus was not defeated. He defeated sin and death.
Jesus was victorious.
But there was a great price that still needed to be paid.
It occurred between noon and 3:00 P.M.
Vs. 33 - God provided a supernatural darkness.
In Scripture darkness and judgment go together. Joel 2:31, Amos 8:9-10
So why was their darkness? Because there was judgment was being pronounced on the sins of the world.
Jesus was taking the punishment of sin on the cross. This was a time of silence from the cross, and evidently around the cross.
We can't fathom all the pain, all the anguish, all the misery all the judgment placed on Jesus shoulders.
In these 3 hours God the Father became God the judge!
Judgment was poured out on the Lord Jesus.
It was a judgment that Jesus had to bear alone without the presence of His Heavenly Father.
Vs. 34 - Eternal judgment includes separation from God.
In order for the price for sin to be paid, God had to turn his back temporally on His Son.
But notice that God did not stop being Jesus' God, and that separation from God was indeed temporary.
Vs. 37 - What did Jesus cry with the loud voice.
John tells us that Jesus cried "IT IS FINISHED!"
Every appointment kept.
Every lesson taught.
Every miracle performed.
Every prophecy fulfilled.
Every sin paid for.
It was finished!
The job was done!
Jesus died victoriously!
Next it says that Jesus "gave up the ghost".
He was in control to the end.
No one took His life. He gave it.
Vs. 38 - Immediately there is proof that God had accepted Jesus' sacrifice for sin.
In the temple was a place called the "Holy of Holies".
This was the place where God literally resided.
There was a giant curtain or veil around the Holy of Holies.
The high priest was only allowed in once a year with a blood sacrifice.
Immediately, God tore the veil from top the bottom.
God was saying, "there is now open access to me."
Access into God's presence is not through the blood of lambs and goats, but through the blood of Christ. Anyone can come into God's presence through the Son.
PILATE'S RELUCTANT CONSENT - Vss. 1-15
THE SOLDIERS' REPULSIVE CONDUCT - Vss. 16-28
THE PEOPLE'S REBELLIOUS CHALLENGE - Vss. 27-32
THE SAVIOR'S RIGHTEOUS CONQUEST - Vss. 33-38
My friend, the price is paid.
Have you accepted God's free gift?
John 3:16 - Christian, how much do you appreciate what Christ has done for you?
Sermon Seeds C3 as the Final Hours. This presentation has more notes than the original.
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Luke 12:13-20
MONEY PRINCIPLES
A common problem among men is greed, or covetousness. Many are never satisfied with what they have, and always looking to have more in the way of money or things. And, we as Christians must be careful, for it is easy for us to fall into this same sin. Jesus tells us a classic parable about greed, in Luke 12:13-21. The parable was actually prompted by a request that our Lord received.
Vs. 13 - It appears that our Lord was interrupted. Our Lord was talking about the false teaching of the Pharisees, and about not fearing men, but fearing God. He had just taught about the help of the Holy Spirit during persecution.
This man seems to have had something entirely different on his mind. Like us, sometimes, someone is explaining something and our mind is a hundred miles away. I'll be reading something at a nursing home and the moment I stop, someone says something totally off the wall, showing he or she wasn't with me at all!
The man's request was that Jesus speak to his brother about properly dividing an inheritance. Whether the man had a case or not, we do not know. Rabbis where asked to act as judge between people on certain occasions, so such a request was probably not uncommon.
Vs. 14 - Our Lord refused. This was not the time when Jesus was here to resolve these kinds of issues. He was here to teach, not to play judge.
Vs. 15 - We see that our Lord had a real understanding of what this man's problem really was. The Scriptures say that man looks on the outward appearance but God looks on the heart. As God, Jesus certainly knew the heart, the motive of the man.
The man was greedy or covetous.
Our Lord warns here that "...A MAN'S LIFE CONSISTETH NOT IN THE ABUNDANCE OF THE THINGS WHICH HE POSSESSETH."
Real life is not based on what we have in the way of money or possessions.
Even Christians can have many things in this world, and still be absolutely miserable.
Our Lord goes on to tell the story of a rich, but foolish farmer. In this story we find some principles, from which we, as believers can benefit.
1. PROSPERITY COMES FROM GOD - Vs. 16
Notice the way this verse is worded. It was the land of this rich man that was responsible for the man's wealth. God had given this man a very good piece of property.
God has ordained that we work. A lazy man should not expect a giveaway. The Bible says that if a man doesn't work he shouldn't eat.
As far as I can see, God has no problem with men and women striving to do their very best within they're given professions. Colossians 3:17, Colossians 3:23, 1 Corinthians 10:31
No matter how hard we work, we must realize and accept something which the man in this parable did not. It is God who keeps us healthy so we can work. It is God who allows us to be productive. It is God who gives us our wisdom.
It is God who has allowed us to have whatever we have been blessed with. It is God who allows circumstances to be such that we prosper.
2. GOD CAN BE LEFT OUT - Vss. 17-18
This man was obviously thankless.
And, when God blesses us with abundance, he expects us to share it with those less fortunate. This way, God is included in our wealth. We are then considering what He would have us to do.
1 John 3:17, Ephesians 4:28
Besides not sharing the abundance God had given him, we see that this man left God out in another way. Notice that he left God out of his plans.
In Vss. 17-19 he uses the word "I" 6 times. And, he uses the Word "my" 5 times.
It was "my crops," and "my barns" and "my grain", and "my goods", and "my soul". There was no recognition of God's ownership of these things, and thus no room for including God in the plans.
3. LEISURE, IN ITSELF, IS NOT A GOOD GOAL - Vs. 19
Notice the ultimate goal of this man. He wanted to be able to say to himself, "You have lots of resources hoarded up, now, just take it easy."
"Eat, drink, and be merry."
There are many good goals, for Christians to have, but leisure is not one of them. There is a time for leisure, but continual leisure leads to overindulgence. Continual leisure ignores the will of God. Leisure as a goal does not please God.
Some better goals. Matthew 6:33, Romans 12:1-2, Philippians 3:10, Proverbs 3:5-6, Galatians 2:20
By the way, there is nothing wrong with retirement. There is nothing wrong with taking it a little easy once in a while. But it is wrong to have leisure as the ultimate goal of your life.
4. GOD HAS FINAL SAY ON ALL OUR PLANS VS. 20
Notice what God calls this man. He calls him a fool!
Why was this man a fool?
He didn't consider God as important.
He didn't consider God's will important.
He thought he could function without God.
If you asked if he believed in God, he would have probably said "Yes".
He was probably an upstanding citizen. But he was a fool nonetheless.
God has total control of how long you have to live. He doesn't make mistakes. For this man to presume he could do anything save but by God's permission was ridiculous.
This is a good reminder for us. We do not know how long we have to live for the Lord. This man was told - "THIS VERY NIGHT YOUR SOUL IS REQUIRED OF YOU."
If you plan on living for yourself now and the Lord later, I'd think twice. Living for the Lord better be a priority, for you never know when time is up. Hebrews 9:27
5. YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU. VS. 21
For all this man's planning, his treasures were now going to be in the hands of someone else. No one has yet found a way to take it with them! Even though I'm seeing and hearing of people putting things in caskets, it won't work!
6. BEING RICH TOWARDS GOD IS OF THE UTMOST IMPORTANCE VS. 21
The man in our story could have been rich towards God, but wasn't.
How can you and I be rich towards God?
1. BE SAVED - John 14:1-6 - God has a place for the saved.
2. WIN SOULS - Daniel 12:3
3. BE FAITHFUL - 2 Timothy 4:7-8
4. INVEST IN GOD'S WORK - Matthew 6:19-21
5. ABIDE IN CHRIST John 15:4-5, 11
PROSPERITY COMES FROM GOD
GOD CAN BE LEFT OUT
LEISURE IN ITSELF, IS NOT A GOOD GOAL
GOD HAS FINAL SAY ON ALL OUR PLANS
YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU
BEING RICH TOWARDS GOD IS OF THE UTMOST IMPORTANCE
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Romans 8:12-18
LIVING IT
We are called upon to live a victorious Christian Life. Here are some helps along the way.
REVIEW THE RESPONSIBILITY Vss. 12-13
RELY ON YOUR RESOURCE Vs. 14
RELAX IN REASSURANCE Vss. 15-17
REJOICE IN RECKONING Vs. 18
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1 John 2:1-6
THE CONSISTENT WALK
OUR ADVOCATE - Vss. 1-2 - HELP FOR GOD'S CHILDREN
OUR ADHERENCE (To God's Word and Christ's example.) - Vss. 3-4,6 -
HONESTY OF GOD'S CHILDREN
OUR ASSURANCE - Vs. 5 - HOPE FOR GOD'S CHILDREN
SERMON SEEDS A30
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